Diamondbacks pitcher Smith loses appeal

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Caleb Smith has lost his appeal and will serve a 10-day suspension for the use of a foreign substance in a game.

Smith is the second major league pitcher to serve a suspension under umpires’ increased emphasis on enforcing the bannedsubstance rules. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Smith had his appeal hearing Sept. 7 and is not with the team on its current trip, which continued Saturday night in Seattle.

“He elected to fly back to Arizona,” Lovullo said. “We’ll stay within the ground rules as to what he is able to do, but my thoughts are that he is going to continue to remain in the excellent shape he’s in and be ready on that 11th day.”

Smith was ejected in the eighth inning of a game with the Philadelphia Phillies on Aug. 18 after umpires found a substance on his glove. He was suspended the following week and appealed.

Mariners reliever Hector Santiago served his suspension in June before being hit with an 80-game ban for use of a performanceenhancing substance.

The Diamondbacks won’t be able to fill Smith’s roster spot until he returns. The 30-year-old left-hander is 4-9 with a 5.06 ERA. He’s made 13 starts in 39 appearances this season.

“Caleb did a wonderful job in his hearing,” Lovullo said. “He was able to articulate his point. It was crystal clear that everything was unintentional. And I will continue to stand by that.”

CUBS MANAGER TO RETURN TODAY >> Cubs manager David Ross will rejoin his team for today’s game against the San Francisco

Giants after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this month.

The Cubs had been operating under the leadership of bench coach Andy Green, who guided the team to a 5-2 mark.

Ross, along with team president Jed Hoyer, tested positive for the virus on Sept. 3. Neither has experienced symptoms, though, and there have been no reported positive test results since.

“You’re thankful it didn’t,” Green said, referring to no additional cases, “but you’re also cognizant of how quickly it can still show up in any clubhouse or any work culture.” CRASH COURSE AT THIRD BASE >> Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward left in the fourth inning of Saturday’s loss to the Giants after sliding into third and getting kneed in the head by Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford.

Crawford was covering the bag on a throw and struck Heyward as he tried to jump over him.

Following the game, Green had no diagnosis on Heyward, but said the fivetime Gold Glove winner would be watched closely over the next 24 hours.

“It was a tough collision,” said Green. “Two strong guys running hard into each other.” PHILLIES DFA RHP VELASQUEZ >> The Phillies designated right-hander Vince Velasquez for assignment.

Velasquez, 29, who was on the injured list because of blister issues, is now headed toward waivers although he could remain with the Phillies if he is not selected by any major league team.

Velasquez was 3-6 with a 5.95 ERA in 21 appearances (17 starts) this season. He is 31-41 with a 4.88 ERA over seven seasons, six with the Phillies.