New York Mets relief pitcher Drew Smith's appearance in Tuesday night's Subway Series game against the New York Yankees was cut short due to a sticky substance violation. Smith was inspected by umpire Bill Miller before taking the mound in the seventh inning. Miller determined that both of Smith's hands were too sticky, resulting in his ejection without throwing a single pitch.

Umpire Bill Miller ejects New York Mets relief pitcher Drew Smith. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

This incident follows MLB's recent crackdown on sticky substances, which saw Mets pitcher Max Scherzer suspended for 10 games earlier this season for a similar infraction. Smith expressed surprise at the ejection, claiming he hadn't done anything different all year, using only sweat and rosin. He criticized the subjective nature of the process, noting its variability between umpire crews.

Drew Smith argues with umpire Bill Miller. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Miller confirmed to a pool reporter that Smith's ejection was due to sticky hands, stating that the substance stuck to his own hands upon contact. John Curtiss replaced Smith, pitching two innings of one-hit ball with two strikeouts. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees held a 7-6 lead, which they maintained to win the game. Yankees starter Luis Severino allowed six runs (five earned) over 4 2/3 innings, while Mets starter Max Scherzer gave up six runs on seven hits in just 3 1/3 innings.

Drew Smith reacts to being ejected. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Smith is likely facing a 10-game suspension, mirroring Scherzer's earlier penalty. He currently holds a 4.18 ERA in 26 appearances this season with 28 strikeouts.