The Tigers announced tonight that they have released lefty Josh Smoker. That leaves the club with an open 40-man roster spot.
Smoker, 29, only made one appearance with the Tigers after being claimed off waivers over the summer. The former first-round pick made a notable comeback just to reach the majors, but hasn’t found much success. In parts of three seasons, he carries a 5.35 ERA with 11.1 K/9 and 4.9 BB/9 and a hefty 1.8 HR/9.
That said, the southpaw has produced swinging strikes at a strong 11.6% rate in that span, helping to support the healthy K rate. And he has had a nice showing at Triple-A this year. In his 45 1/3 innings, split between both organizations, he has produced a 3.38 ERA with 9.9 K/9 against 3.2 BB/9.
In case anyone’s wondering, that 1 game he has a 0.00 ERA (2 walks, 2 strikeouts in 1.2 IP) I know he’ll come down back to earth, but he didnt get blown out that 1 game with Detriot
I know he has 5.35 ERA in parts of three seasons, I just like rooting for the underdogs Lol
I was at that game he pitched in, and he looked better than most guys I’ve seen the Tigers use this year. Plus he’s a lefty. Hopefully we bring him back this offseason, even if it’s just as depth.
An Al Albuquerque reunion looks pretty good as well.
Two of the best names in baseball.
I’m sure that the spot was opened so that Stewart can be added after Toledo’s season is finished.
That 11.6% swinging strike rate is fine, it’s the other 88.4% that is a bit of a problem
I saw all I needed to see in April & May with PIT. The guy’s just flat out ineffective, but if somebody thinks they can fix him, have at it.
tobacco kills
Rangers bound. Smoker is Arlington bound. Hey what could it hurt? Heck Minor is there ONLY real pitcher they have anyways.
Jose LeClerc might be the best reliever in baseball right now
Yeah i wouldn’t want a smoker on my team… bad influence on kids
Still would like the braves to try a minor league deal with him. Home town kid and never hurts to have bullpen depth
Rollie Fingers , Bill Hands, Homer Bailey, Josh Smoker……all Name team members
Are they opening a spot for the long awaited PTBL from Oakland
With Oakland’s depth at SS on the farm, I’m hoping they get another young MIF prospect as opposed to another marginal AAA bullpen arm
Jim Leyland is devastated…