D-backs LHP Caleb Smith ejected after allegedly using foreign substance

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Caleb Smith was ejected in the eighth inning of Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies after being allegedly caught with a foreign substance on his glove.

Smith did not agree and argued back with the umpires in the D-backs’ 4-2 win.

Bad news….Caleb Smith got caught CHEATING… Allegedly pic.twitter.com/0toTw5Y2Pt

— Baseball Doesn't Exist (@BaseballDoesnt) August 19, 2021

Smith started walking toward the dugout after the ejection before turning back around to face the umpires. He had to be restrained by three different coaches.

The umpire crew found two dark spots on Smith’s glove.

“It was dirt,” Smith said. “The inside of my glove is baby blue. He (the umpire) checked it the first time and everything was fine.

“If I was cheating and I got caught, I would own up to it, but I was not. I am really pissed.”

The glove was sent to New York for examination, according to D-backs manager Torey Lovullo.

“I believe my player,” Arizona’s skipper said. “I stand by my player. He said there was nothing malicious happening.”

Smith threw 2.2 innings of relief and gave up one run. He was also checked after the sixth inning and the umpires didn’t find anything suspicious.

The ejection does affect the Diamondbacks because, under the MLB foreign substance rules, not only is a player suspended 10 games if he is found to have used a foreign substance, but the team will also lose a roster spot during that suspension.

Seattle’s Hector Santiago is the only pitcher who has been suspended since MLB cracked down on foreign substances earlier this season.

Smith has played in 33 games, starting 13. He’s posted a 5.12 ERA and 1.42 WHIP.

He was acquired in the deal that sent Starling Marte to the Marlins during the 2020 campaign.

The D-backs look to finish the sweep against the Phillies on Thursday.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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