The Toronto Sun · Jun 6, 2015
MLB notebook: Matusz suspension upheld, Smith's ban reduced
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brian Matusz throws during a spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Ed Smith Stadium. (Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports)Same crime, different punishments.
Hours after reducing Milwaukee Brewers reliever Will Smith’s suspension from eight to six games, MLB on Friday upheld the eight-game ban given to Baltimore Orioles reliever Brian Matusz for the same offence — having an illegal substance on his arm while he was on the mound. Both pitchers appealed their original suspension.
According to the Baltimore Sun, Smith’s suspension was reduced by two games based on a MLB formula for punishment based on games pitched.