"[He] is a good human being, he is a good dude" - Astros GM Dana Brown supports Ronel Blanco after star receives 10-game suspension

The Houston Astros will be without starting pitcher Ronel Blanco after the 30-year-old received a 10-game suspension for the use of a foreign substance. One of the breakout stars of the season, Blanco found himself at the center of a controversial ejection during Tuesday's matchup against the Oakland Athletics.

"Ronel Blanco will begin serving his 10-game suspension for violating the prohibitions on foreign substances today" - @MLBONFOX

In the fourth inning of Tuesday's game, Ronel Blanco was ejected by umpire Laz Diaz after it was determined that there was a "sticky substance" on the pitcher's glove. Following the ejection, the Dominican native was handed a 10-game suspension by the MLB, a decision that he decided not to appeal.

Although the Houston Astros will be without Blanco for the next 10 games, team General Manager Dana Brown says that the organization stands behind their pitcher and his decision not to appeal. "Ronel Blanco is a good human being, he is a good dude, he worked his butt off to get into the starting rotation," Brown told reporters regarding the organization's stance on the pitcher.

"More from GM Dana Brown on Blanco" - @brianmctaggart

It has been a difficult stretch for the Houston Astros, who are looking to get back on track after a disappointing start to the season. While Blanco's suspension will force him to miss at least one start, the club will need some of their other pitchers to step up in his absence.

Despite being ejected against the Oakland Athletics, Blanco has still been a top-tier starter for the Astros this season. Through 47.1 innings this season, the 30-year-old has posted a 4-0 record with a 2.09 ERA, 45 strikeouts, and a solid 1.06 WHIP.

Ronel Blanco is one of several pitchers who are not available for the Houston Astros

As of Thursday, the Houston Astros sit 4th in the American League West with an 18-25 record. Although they have been slowly turning things around, the team will now need to replace Blanco in the rotation. While replacing a pitcher for a start or two is not uncommon, the Astros are without several important starters.

The Houston Astros have a number of starting pitchers on the IL, including Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia, and Jose Urquidy. The team is also without the likes of JP France and Forest Whitley, who are currently dealing with their own injuries. With Blanco suspended, manager Joe Espada will need to continue getting creative with his pitching staff.