Going to Mouth

[Stk004]

I don't have my rulebook on hand atm, but if a pitcher is on the mound/rubber, and goes to his mouth (and doesn't wipe if off the rubber), before the ball is put back in play, is it still a balk? 

[ricka56]

You don't put a ball in play if you know that it has been altered. 

[noumpere]

1 hour ago, Stk004 said:

I don't have my rulebook on hand atm, but if a pitcher is on the mound/rubber, and goes to his mouth (and doesn't wipe if off the rubber), before the ball is put back in play, is it still a balk? 

I'm having a tough time imagining any situation where a balk can be called when the ball isn't in play.

[Stk004]

16 minutes ago, noumpere said:

I'm having a tough time imagining any situation where a balk can be called when the ball isn't in play.

What would be the proper protocol in this situation? 

[noumpere]

1 hour ago, Stk004 said:

What would be the proper protocol in this situation? 

Change balls with the pitcher.

[zoops]

The only rule set that going to the mouth is called a balk is FED, I believe.  I think OBR would support doing what @ricka56 said.  There was a question almost identical to yours on the NCAA test this year:

Question #34

The ball is dead and the pitcher is on the rubber in the wind up position. Before the plate umpire puts the ball in play the pitcher takes his throwing hand out of his glove and brings it in contact with his mouth, then wipes it on his pants and returns it to his glove. The correct ruling is:

a. Call a balk with runners on base and a ball with no runners on base.

b. Warn the pitcher.

c. Before you put the ball in play, add a ball to the count.

d. Do nothing since time was out.

 

[DWDIII]

OBR 6.02c - within the 18 ft circle if pitcher goes to mouth without wiping It off it is a warning first then a ball. Not a balk, just add a ball if it happens again after the warning