Michael Hill, Major League Baseball’s Senior Vice President of On-Field Operations, announced today that Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco has received a 10-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for violating the prohibitions on foreign substances, which resulted in his ejection prior to the top of the fourth inning of his Club’s Monday, May 14^th game against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park.

Unless appealed, the suspension of Blanco will become effective tonight, when the Astros are to continue their series vs. Oakland. If Blanco elects to appeal, then the discipline will be held in abeyance until that process is complete.