D-backs’ Caleb Smith suspended 10 games due to substance on glove, appealing

Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Caleb Smith has been suspended 10 games and fined by Major League Baseball for using a foreign substance on his glove.

The start of his suspension is on hold as he has elected to appeal the decision, according to MLB.

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.

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

Smith did not agree and was restrained by coaches as he argued with the umpires in the D-backs’ 4-2 win.

“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 has played 34 games with 13 starts this season.

He’s posted a 5.20 ERA and 1.42 WHIP and has appeared after the ejection once, on Sunday when he went 2.0 innings and allowed two earned runs against the Colorado Rockies in relief.

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

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