Will Smith's suspension reduced from eight games to six

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Will Smith saw his suspension for having an illegal substance on his arm reduced to six games.

Upon appeal, the suspension of LHP Will Smith for "foreign substance" on 5/21 has been reduced from 8 to 6 games. Suspension begins tonight.

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) June 5, 2015

Major League Baseball also announced the decision Friday, and Smith started serving the suspension when the Brewers opened a series in Minnesota against the Twins.

"I think it's probably what we expected," manager Craig Counsell said. "We kind of hoped going through the process that he was able to get it knocked down a little bit."

Smith was initially suspended for eight games after his May 21 ejection. The appeal hearing was held Monday.

"It's been kind of drawn out. It feels like a long time ago when it happened now," Counsell said. "We've been kind of waiting. ... But it got reduced. It's six games, and we'll have him back on the homestand."

The Brewers will be a man short in the bullpen because they will not be allowed to replace Smith during his suspension.

Also Friday, it was reported that the suspension of Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz for the same infraction would not be reduced from eight games.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.