New York Mets relief pitcher Drew Smith (40) walks off the field in front of manager Buck Showalter (11) after being ejected during the seventh inning Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Mets relief pitcher ejected for sticky substance

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Jun 13, 2023 10:36 PM ET

New York Mets relief pitcher Drew Smith achieved the rare accomplishment of making an official pitching appearance without actually throwing a pitch.

The reason? He got ejected for having a sticky substance on his hand in the sixth inning of the Mets' game against the New York Yankees on Tuesday.

As Smith was checked by the umpire upon his entry into the game, it quickly became obvious that there was a problem, and despite his best explanation (or attempted one) he ended up getting the boot from the game.

Have a look:

Drew Smith, Sticky Stuff Ejection. pic.twitter.com/LaWB0i0rog
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 14, 2023

The 29-year-old Smith, now a five-year veteran, is facing a 10-game suspension for the violation.

In 26 games, he has a 3-2 record with a 4.18 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 23.2 innings pitched. He has struggled recently, allowing eight earned runs over his past 10 appearances.

If suspended, Smith will be the second Mets pitcher to be penalized for the same issue this year.

Starter Max Scherzer—who started Tuesday's game—was also suspended 10 games earlier in the season. New York Yankees starting pitcher Domingo German was suspended 10 games this season as well for the same violation.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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