Smith, who entered the big leagues with the San Diego Padres in 2013, played for the Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics, and posted a poor record of 5-11-1 saves and 5 holds with a 6.03 ERA in 102 appearances through 2021.
He then left MLB and joined the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Seibu Lions. He pitched in 20 games for Seibu, recording one win, four holds, one save, and an ERA of 3.29, but played only 38.1 innings due to frequent injuries. He also wanted a starting position, but Seibu moved to the KBO without renewing his contract due to disagreements about using him as a bullpen.
Smith, wearing a Hanwha uniform, took the mound as the starting pitcher for the opening game against the Kiwoom Heroes in 2023, but after 2.2 innings of three hits, one out, two strikeouts, and two runs, he felt abnormal in his body and went down the mound on his own.
This game became Smith's first and final KBO game. He was diagnosed with "minor damage to his muscles that did not significantly affect his pitching" as a result of an MRI examination, but his return was not easy. The "glass body" temperament that came out even in Japan was revealed in one game.
Hanwha finally said goodbye to Smith by deciding to disclose Waver. However, Smith's subsequent behavior became a problem. Smith got into a war of words with fans who criticized him on social media, and in the process, he used the disparaging expression "Take care in the trash country," causing controversy.
Smith signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays ahead of this season. However, before the start of the new season, the Miami Marlins dramatically returned to the big leagues by acquiring him in a trade and including him on the opening roster.
Smith, who pitched in 25 games in Miami with a 2-1 hold ERA of 4.25, was dealt with a transfer nomination (DFA) in June and moved to Baltimore, which was competing with the New York Yankees in the American League (AL) East.
Smith continued his strides at Baltimore. During July, Smith pitched in seven games, recording a 2.16 ERA with 10 strikeouts and no outs. However, his number of runs increased in August, and he became the losing pitcher against Houston in this game as he hit two home runs in one inning.
BY: 안전놀이터
