What happens when a pitcher touches his mouth before getting on the pitcher's plate?

When a pitcher touches his mouth before getting on the pitcher's plate, it is considered legal as long as he has not stepped onto the pitcher's plate yet. This is crucial because the rules differentiate between actions taken on and off the pitcher's plate. Once the pitcher is on the plate, any foreign substance on their hand or mouth could be seen as violating regulations, but prior to that action, there are no grounds for penalty or ejection.

This understanding ensures that players can prepare themselves properly without fear of being penalized as long as they have not violated any specific rules associated with their position on the pitcher's plate. Thus, recognizing the context of where the pitcher is physically located is essential in accurately determining the legality of their actions.