June 15 (UPI) — Drew Smith, a pitcher for the New York Mets, has been suspended for 10 games and fined for breaking MLB’s regulations against using foreign substances, according to an announcement by the league.
The suspension was revealed on Wednesday night. Smith was ejected during the top of the seventh inning in the Mets’ 7-6 loss to the New York Yankees on Tuesday in Queens. His suspension began on Wednesday, during a 4-3 win against the Yankees in Queens.
Smith took the field in the top of the seventh inning during Tuesday’s game, substituting fellow relief pitcher Jeff Brigham. Four umpires scrutinized Smith’s hand when he entered the infield. Crew chief Bill Miller then ejected Smith before he could even throw a pitch.
“He stated that both of my hands are too sticky,” Smith told reporters in response to Miller’s decision to eject him.
Smith claimed he had only used sweat and rosin, substances permitted under MLB rules, during his appearance. He also insisted that his hands were not sticky.
Miller disagreed and informed a pool reporter that Smith’s hands were the stickiest he had encountered during the season.
“I don’t know what’s on his hand, all I know is that it was sticky, sticky to the touch,” Miller said. “It stuck to my hands when I touched it. Not only his pitching hand, but his glove hand as well.”
Relief pitcher John Curtiss took over for Smith on the mound. Curtiss retired second baseman Gleyber Torres, first baseman Anthony Rizzo, and third baseman D.J. LeMahieu in order to conclude the inning. He also escaped the eighth inning without conceding any runs. Mets pitcher David Robertson allowed only one hit and no runs in the ninth. Neither team scored in the final three innings.
In the victory, LeMahieu and Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton each went 1 for 4 with a home run. Catcher Kyle Higashioka and shortstop Anthony Volpe each recorded two hits for the Yankees. LeMahieu and right fielder Jake Bauers both contributed two RBIs to the win.
Smith, 29, achieved a 4.18 ERA and a 3-2 record in 26 games this season. He also earned two saves. The five-year veteran finished the 2022 season with a 3-3 record and a 3.33 ERA in 44 appearances.
The Mets (32-36) will welcome the St. Louis Cardinals (27-42) to Queens at 7:10 p.m. EDT on Friday.
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