Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman took no issue with the foreign substances - rosin and sunscreen - found on pitcher Will Smith's right arm Thursday.
"Every pitcher does it," Freeman said. "As a hitter, you want them to do it so they'll have a better grip so we won't get hit in the head."
Related: Brewers' Smith ejected after foreign substance discovered on right arm
Smith was visibly upset after being tossed, but when asked about the substance after the game, he didn't shy away from it. He confirmed that given the chilly conditions, he had a mixture of rosin and sunscreen on his arm and simply forgot to wipe it off.
Smith went on to say that pitchers in the bullpen routinely use prohibited substances to get a better grip on the ball, not to gain a competitive advantage.
"You want to be able to feel the ball," Smith said. "That's it. It's grip. It's not going to spin more. You're not going to throw harder. You've got what you got."
Brewers manager Craig Counsell reiterated that, saying he has no doubt the same process goes on across the field.
"It's very common," Counsell said. "It goes on on the other side, I guarantee you. It's the rule. I think pitchers are using it but I guess you've got to be discreet about it."
It's unclear whether Smith will receive further discipline from MLB.
