Smith becomes second Mets pitcher ejected for sticky stuff

NEW YORK — Reliever Drew Smith was ejected throughout a routine sticky substance test through the seventh inning Tuesday evening towards the Yankees at Citi Field, turning into the second Mets pitcher to obtain that punishment this season.

Smith now faces a 10-day suspension, which might consequence within the Mets taking part in with a brief roster throughout it.

As is customary, Smith was stopped by an umpire as he approached the mound to start a aid look within the seventh inning. The complete umpiring crew ultimately gathered round Smith, who was subsequently ejected by crew chief Bill Miller. John Curtiss entered and pitched the seventh inning as an alternative.

Assuming MLB levies a suspension, the Mets can be pressured to play their subsequent 10 video games with out Smith, one in all their main setup males who has produced a 4.18 ERA over 26 appearances. Worse, the group can be unable to interchange Smith on its roster.

The scenario is just like what unfolded on April 19 in Los Angeles, when Max Scherzer was ejected for what umpires deemed an excessively sticky pitching hand and glove. Scherzer didn’t enchantment his suspension, which wound up lasting two weeks resulting from a string of rainouts.

Smith turned animated after the ejection, pleading his case with umpires. When he returned to the dugout, he confirmed a number of teammates his palms, as if to claim his innocence.