Caleb Smith suspended 10 games for Ball-Substance abuse?

Caleb Smith suspended 10 games for supposed substance violation

It was announced today by the MLB that Caleb Smith has been suspended for 10 games due to substances found on his glove during a game. He is appealing said-decision. I find their decision to be laughable for multiple reasons.

It was found during the August 18th, 2021 game against the Phillies in which Caleb Smith had been pitching out of the bullpen. It was after his final inning of relief.

The first reason being that Caleb Smith’s reaction upon being told that his glove was being taken by the Umpires was one that displayed true emotions. He was shocked and angry that he would be accused of cheating. If it was acting, then he should win an Oscar.

Secondly, Torey and multiple Dbacks backed up Caleb and shared how they saw and touched his glove and it was the tiniest bit sticky (more on that later). They also said his hands and arms were bone dry which wouldn’t be the case if he had been using sticky stuff or sunscreen.

Thirdly, Caleb’s seen multiple times mixing dirt with rosin which is allowed by the MLB. They say it can’t be in the glove though which is downright laughable. This is because the MLB must have not ever heard of substances transferring to other items. If Caleb puts rosin/dirt on his left hand (pitching hand) and then puts that hand into the glove as he stands on the mound. Guess what, rosin/dirt is going to rub onto the glove. Secondly, if Caleb puts his rosin/dirt hand onto the ball and puts said ball into the glove… the ball will transfer some of the rosin/dirt to the GLOVE.

Fourthly, Joe Girardi , the opposing manager, said that he wasn’t aware of Caleb doing anything and did not ask the umpires to check Caleb again after they had already checked him earlier in the game. Additionally, this umpire crew that flagged Caleb were the same ones who flagged Hector Santiago for a substance suspension.

Finally, this feels rather clear that the MLB is just protecting what little professional respect the Umpires still have. I have defended the umps til I’m blue in the face over tough strike calls and out calls. However, the fact that it’s the same, and only, crew in the MLB to have found anything plus what has been released about the case so far, shows that the MLB is just trying to make an example out of Caleb Smith.

Thank goodness that he is appealing, however I doubt that it will succeed. If it does not succeed, Caleb will be suspended ten games and the Diamondbacks will be forced to play with a 25-man roster instead of a 26-man roster.
Let’s hope that a miracle happens and we don’t have to play short a man for ten whole games.

Thank you to the great readers of Venom Strikes and

As Always,

May the Force be with You…