Suspended Houston Astros pitcher explains why he won’t appeal his suspension

Tuesday night, Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco was ejected from his start against the Oakland Athletics after a foreign substance test.

On Wednesday, Blanco received a minimum 10-game suspension. He decided not to appeal, which would have allowed him to launch later this week.

He explained why he chose to serve the suspension now in an interview with media on Thursday, including MLB.com.

“I wanted to come back and help the team as quickly as possible,” Blanco said.

The Astros had just implemented a six-man rotation, so by now taking the suspension, Blanco will only miss one scheduled start.

He was removed from Tuesday’s game before the fourth inning when umpires found sticky residue in his glove.

After the game, Blanco said he rubbed rosin on his non-throwing elbow. Before the fourth inning, crew chief Laz Diaz examined the inside of his glove and determined there was a foreign substance.

Blanco told reporters he told Diaz it was rosin, but he said Diaz responded, “It’s not rosin.”

The starter said he knew the rules but didn’t know he couldn’t put rosin on his non-throwing elbow. This is illegal, according to MLB rules.

The right-hander also confirmed general manager Dana Brown’s comments about Blanco’s propensity to sweat. It was a particularly awkward night in Houston on Tuesday. But even when the city isn’t so sticky, Blanco said he sweats so much he usually wears three different jerseys during a game.

Blanco has been brilliant for the Astros, who have lost several starting pitchers to injuries. He is 4-0 with a 2.09 ERA and threw his first career no-hitter on April 1.

Because he is now suspended, they have to play with a squad of 25 players and cannot replace him.