Devin Smeltzer

Last updated

91+2⁄3 innings pitched for San Jacinto's baseball team. He committed to transfer to Texas Tech University on a baseball scholarship after his sophomore year. [6]

Professional career

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Smeltzer in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB draft. He signed with the Dodgers rather than transferring to Texas Tech, and received a $500,000 signing bonus. [7] He played for the Arizona Dodgers of the Rookie-level Arizona League after signing and went 0–2 with a 7.59 ERA in 10.2 relief innings pitched. He began the 2017 season with the Great Lakes Loons of the Single–A Midwest League. [8] In 2017, he made ten starts for Great Lakes and 15 (plus one relief appearance) for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the High–A California League. He was 7–7 with a 4.17 ERA between the two teams. Smeltzer began the 2018 season with the Tulsa Drillers of the Double–A Texas League. [9]

Minnesota Twins

On July 31, 2018, the Dodgers traded Smeltzer to the Minnesota Twins, along with Logan Forsythe and Luke Raley, for Brian Dozier. [10] He was assigned to the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Double-A Southern League and finished the season there. In 33 games (14 starts) between Tulsa and Chattanooga, he was 5–5 with a 4.52 ERA. [11] He opened the 2019 season with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos of the Southern League, going 3–1 with a 0.60 ERA in 30 innings. [12] He was promoted to the Rochester Red Wings of the Triple-A International League on May 2. [12]

The Twins promoted Smeltzer to the major leagues on May 28, 2019. He made his major league debut the same night, allowing three hits and no runs, while striking out seven in six innings. [13] Smeltzer finished the season with a 3.86 ERA, striking out 18.8% of the batters he faced. [14] In 2020, Smeltzer recorded a 2–0 record and 6.75 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 16 innings pitched. [15]

On July 17, 2021, Smeltzer was placed on the 60-day injured list with left elbow inflammation. [16] Smeltzer made one appearance for the Twins in 2021 and was outrighted off of the 40-man roster on November 19, 2021. [17]

The Twins promoted Smeltzer back to the major leagues on May 14, 2022. [18] He made 15 appearances for the Twins, including 12 games started, and pitched to a 3.71 ERA in 70+1⁄3 innings. In October, Smeltzer was sent outright to Triple-A and chose to elect free agency on October 11. [19]

Miami Marlins

On January 24, 2023, Smeltzer signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins organization. [20] On April 9, Smeltzer’s contract was selected to the active roster. [21] Smeltzer made 5 appearances (1 start) for Miami, posting a 6.75 ERA with 8 strikeouts in 12.0 innings pitched. He was designated for assignment by the Marlins on April 28, following the promotion of Johan Quezada. [22] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on May 2. [23]

On May 3, Smeltzer was selected back to the Marlins' roster after Quezada was designated for assignment. [24] He tossed 3.2 innings that day against the Atlanta Braves, surrendering 3 runs on 3 hits with 2 strikeouts. The following day, he was designated for assignment after Chi Chi Gonzalez had his contract selected. [25] Smeltzer again cleared waivers and was outrighted to Jacksonville on May 6. [26] On August 3, Smeltzer was again added to the major league roster. [27] After two scoreless appearances for Miami, he was designated for assignment on August 5. [28] On August 8, he cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple–A. [29]

On September 1, Smeltzer tossed the first no-hitter in Jumbo Shrimp history, logging 4 strikeouts in 7.0 innings against the Charlotte Knights. [30] On September 6, Smeltzer was once more selected back to Miami's major league roster. [31] After tossing 3+2⁄3 relief innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers the previous day, Smeltzer was designated for assignment for a fourth time on September 8. [32] He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Jacksonville on September 11. [33] Smeltzer elected free agency on October 15. [34]

On December 7, 2023, Smeltzer re-signed with the Marlins on a minor league contract. [35] In 24 relief outings for Triple–A Jacksonville, he compiled a 3.69 ERA with 32 strikeouts and one save across 31+2⁄3 innings pitched. On July 10, 2024, Smeltzer was released by the Marlins organization. [36]

Personal life

At the age of nine, Smeltzer was diagnosed with pelvic rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of cancer. [37] A tumor had grown against his bladder that was connected to his prostate. He was treated with surgery and chemotherapy at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. [38] [39] The cancer went into full remission in 2012. [1]

In 2006 while battling cancer, Smeltzer was invited to Citizens Bank Park to meet Phillies players Chase Utley and Cole Hamels. [40] In 2018, Utley was on the Dodgers and Smeltzer, was a member of the Dodgers organization. [40] During spring training, Dodger's manager Dave Roberts told the story to the Dodger's clubhouse and reintroduced the two. [40] After hearing the story, Smeltzer's teammates gave him a round of applause. [40]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Preston Guilmet</span> American baseball player (born 1987)

Preston Blake Guilmet is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, and Miami Marlins. He also played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. He grew up in Roseville, California and graduated from Oakmont High School. He later played college baseball for the University of Arizona.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chi Chi González</span> American baseball player (born 1992)

Alexander "Chi Chi" González is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees and Miami Marlins. González goes by Chi Chi, a nickname given to him by his grandfather.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Danny Coulombe</span> American baseball player (born 1989)

Daniel Paul Coulombe is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics and Minnesota Twins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steven Okert</span> American baseball player (born 1991)

Steven Chandler Okert is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the San Francisco Giants and Miami Marlins. The Giants selected Okert in the fourth round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Austin Brice</span> American baseball player (born 1992)

Austin Robert Brice is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He is the first Hong Kong–born player to appear in the major leagues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dylan Floro</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Dylan Lee Floro is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals. He played college baseball for the Cal State Fullerton Titans. Floro was drafted by the Rays in the 13th round of the 2012 MLB draft, and made his MLB debut in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kyle Barraclough</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Kyle David Barraclough is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Texas Rangers organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins, Washington Nationals, San Francisco Giants, Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Angels, and Boston Red Sox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zach Neal</span> American baseball player (born 1988)

Zachary Sheridan Neal is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Dodgers, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Saitama Seibu Lions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elieser Hernández</span> Venezuelan baseball pitcher (born 1995)

Elieser Alexis Hernández is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher for the LG Twins of the KBO League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Milwaukee Brewers. Hernández signed with the Houston Astros as an international free agent in 2012, and made his MLB debut with the Marlins in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel Castano</span> American baseball player (born 1994)

Daniel Alexander Castano is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins and in the KBO League for the NC Dinos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeff Brigham</span> American baseball player (born 1992)

Jeff John Brigham is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Minnesota Twins organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins and New York Mets. He made his MLB debut in 2018 with the Marlins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrew Vasquez (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1993)

Andrew Jude Vasquez is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Detroit Tigers organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, and Philadelphia Phillies. Vasquez played college baseball for the University of California, Santa Barbara and Westmont College. He was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 32nd round of the 2015 MLB draft.

Chris Ryan Vallimont is an American professional baseball pitcher for the York Revolution of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles.

Johan Ramon Quezada is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Guerreros de Oaxaca of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins.

Kyle Wade Tyler is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, and Miami Marlins.

Bryan Jerome Hoeing is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Miami Marlins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chad Smith (baseball, born 1995)</span> American baseball pitcher

Rodney Chad Smith is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Colorado Rockies and Oakland Athletics.

Aneurys Zabala is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins.

Elijah Daniel Villalobos is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Detroit Tigers organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins.

Jeff Thomas Lindgren is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Miami Marlins organization. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2023.

References

  1. 1 2 "Cancer fight gives FGCU pitcher a greater purpose". News-press.com. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  2. 1 2 "College baseball: Pitcher Devin Smeltzer leaving FGCU for junior college". Archive.naplesnews.com. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  3. ↑ "Standout night for West co-MVPs Smeltzer, Hamilton". capecodbaseball.org. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  4. ↑ "BASEBALL: Smeltzer throws no-hitter in Cape Cod game". Courierpostonline.com. June 23, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  5. ↑ "#14 Devin Smeltzer". pointstreak.com. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  6. ↑ "Former Eustace baseball star Devin Smeltzer hopes to be drafted this weekend". Philly.com. June 9, 2016. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  7. ↑ Hayes, Marcus (October 16, 2016). "After a year of 'hell,' South Jersey star thankful to be part of the Dodgers". Philly.com. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  8. ↑ "Dodgers prospect Devin Smeltzer continues shutout streak for Loons". MLive.com. April 26, 2017. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  9. ↑ "Devin Smeltzer Minor League Statistics". Baseball Reference.
  10. ↑ Walton, Ryan (July 31, 2018). "Dodgers acquire Brian Dozier from Twins for Logan Forsythe, two minor leaguers". True Blue la. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  11. ↑ "Devin Smeltzer Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  12. 1 2 RotoWire Staff (May 4, 2019). "Twins' Devin Smeltzer: Strong Triple-A debut". CBS Sports. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
  13. ↑ "Twins place Michael Pineda on IL, call up Devin Smeltzer". May 28, 2019.
  14. ↑ "What To Do With Devin Smeltzer". Twins Daily.
  15. ↑ "What Does the Future Hold for Devin Smeltzer?".
  16. ↑ "Twins Place Derek Law On 10-Day Injured List, Move Randy Dobnak To 60-Day Injured List". mlbtraderumors.com.
  17. ↑ "Twins' Devin Smeltzer: Outrighted to Triple-A".
  18. ↑ "Alex Kirilloff sent back to minors after five games with Twins". Star Tribune .
  19. ↑ Haddad, CJ (March 5, 2023). "With 'breath of fresh air,' Smeltzer vying for roster spot". MLB.com. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  20. ↑ "Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: Lands with Marlins". cbssports.com. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: Contract selected from Triple-A". cbssports.com. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Marlins Designate Devin Smeltzer for Assignment".
  23. ↑ https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-05-02 [ bare URL ]
  24. ↑ "Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: Back with big club". cbssports.com. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: Designated for assignment". cbssports.com. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  26. ↑ "Devin Smeltzer Stats, Fantasy & News". mlb.com. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: Selected to MLB bullpen". cbssports.com. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  28. ↑ "Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: DFA'd by Miami". cbssports.com. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
  29. ↑ "Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: Remains in organization". cbssports.com. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  30. ↑ "No-Hitter Earns Smeltzer IL Pitcher of the Week Honors". oursportscentral.com. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  31. ↑ "Marlins Place Sandy Alcantara, Jorge Soler On IL". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
  32. ↑ "Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: Loses 40-man roster spot". cbssports.com. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  33. ↑ "Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: Remains in organization". cbssports.com. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  34. ↑ https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-10-15 [ bare URL ]
  35. ↑ https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/12/marlins-re-sign-devin-smeltzer-to-minor-league-deal.html [ bare URL ]
  36. ↑ https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-07-10 [ bare URL ]
  37. ↑ "LA Dodgers draft pick Devin Smeltzer overcame pediatric cancer". Dailynews.com. June 23, 2016. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  38. ↑ Ben Rohrbach (February 11, 2014). "Southpaw Devin Smeltzer beats cancer to become one of nation's top pitching prospects". Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  39. ↑ "Devin Smeltzer Overcame Cancer To Become A Star « CBS Philly". CBS - Philadelphia. May 22, 2013. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  40. 1 2 3 4 "Full video of Chase Utley meeting cancer survivor turned teammate". NBC Sports Philadelphia . Retrieved April 11, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
Devin Smeltzer
Devin Smeltzer (52271388725) (cropped).jpg
Smeltzer with the St. Paul Saints in 2022
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1995-09-07) September 7, 1995 (age 28)
Voorhees, New Jersey, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Left
MLB debut
May 28, 2019, for the Minnesota Twins