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Mets' Drew Smith ejected vs. Yankees for sticky substance before throwing a pitch, prompting criticism from Max Scherzer

Drew Smith's night ended before it started.

The New York Mets reliever was ejected in the seventh inning of Tuesday's game against the New York Yankees before he threw a pitch. Umpires checked Smith's hand for a sticky substance after he walked out of the bullpen at Citi Field to take over for fellow reliever Josh Walker.

Crew chief Bill Miller initiated the exam. The game's other three umpires also examined Smith's hands before Miller signaled the ejection. Smith protested the decision while pleading his case with Miller. Miller then spoke with Buck Showalter before the Mets manager escorted Smith off the field and into the Mets dugout.