D-backs' Caleb Smith ejected, has glove confiscated by umps
The glove of Diamondbacks left-hander Caleb Smith was confiscated by the umpiring crew and the pitcher was thrown out of Arizona's game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday in Phoenix.
The umpires checked Smith's glove following the top of the eighth inning and apparently noticed a suspicious substance inside. First base umpire Tom Hallion ejected Smith, who vehemently disputed the ruling.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said he was told by the umpiring crew that there were a "couple suspicious spots" on Smith's glove.
"I believe my player, I stand by my player," Lovullo said, adding that Smith's hand was "bone dry."
Lovullo said Smith's glove will be sent to New York for evaluation.
Nearly two months ago, Major League Baseball asked umpires to begin inspecting the gloves and caps of pitchers to make sure foreign substances aren't being used to doctor baseballs.
Per the new regulations, the ejection would spark a 10-game suspension, but it's possible an examination of the glove and/or an appeal by Smith could prevent him from receiving such punishment.
Smith gave up one run and one hit in 2 2/3 innings of relief. He served up a homer to Odubel Herrera in the top of the eighth, but the Diamondbacks held on to beat the Phillies 4-2.
--Field Level Media
