Joe Smith (pitcher)

Last updated

17+1⁄3innings pitched, he tallied nine saves with a 2.08 ERA, a .197 batting average against, and struck out 19 batters. He also recorded the final out of the 2005 Petitt Cup tournament, on a comebacker, to give Edenton its second consecutive league championship.[ citation needed ]

Professional career

New York Mets

The New York Mets selected Smith in the third round of the 2006 MLB draft. Smith began his professional career with the Brooklyn Cyclones of the Low–A New York–Penn League. He was named one of the top 20 prospects in the New York–Penn League by Baseball America . When Duaner Sánchez was hurt during a taxi cab incident in 2006, Mets general manager Omar Minaya considered recalling Smith to the major leagues. Instead, the Mets traded for Roberto Hernández and Óliver Pérez to give Smith more time in the minors[ citation needed ].

Smith with the Cleveland Indians in 2011 Joe Smith on July 15, 2011.jpg
Smith with the Cleveland Indians in 2011

Smith made the Mets' Opening Day 25-man roster in 2007. On April 1, 2007, Smith made his major league debut. He struck out one (Preston Wilson) and walked one (Albert Pujols). He also gave up a single to David Eckstein. Smith earned his first major league win on April 24, 2007, after coming on in relief in the 12th inning. [2] Smith enjoyed much success at the beginning of 2007 but began to tire and was sent down to the minors at mid-year. Smith was with the Mets for the 2008 season, enjoying varied success. He went 6–3 in 63.3 innings with a 3.55 ERA.

Cleveland Indians

On December 10, 2008, Smith was traded by the Mets to the Cleveland Indians as part of a twelve-player, three-team deal. [3] On January 18, 2013, the Cleveland Indians announced they had avoided arbitration with Smith, signing him to a one-year contract worth $3.15 million. [4]

Smith became a free agent following the 2013 season but expressed interest in remaining with the Tribe. [5]

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim / Los Angeles Angels

Smith with the Angels in 2015 Joe Smith on May 16, 2015.jpg
Smith with the Angels in 2015

On November 24, 2013, Smith reportedly agreed to a three-year contract for $15 million with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, pending the completion of a physical. [6] On November 27, 2013, the Angels confirmed that the team and Smith agreed to the terms. [7] On April 25, 2014, Smith was named the Angels' new closer after multiple struggles by former closer Ernesto Frieri. After the Angels traded for San Diego Padres' All-Star closer Huston Street on July 18, 2014, Smith was moved to an eighth-inning setup role. Smith finished 2014 with 15 saves in 76 games, achieving a 1.81 ERA on 1105 pitches.

On June 8, 2016, Smith went on the disabled list with a hamstring injury.

Chicago Cubs

On August 1, 2016, the Angels traded Smith to the Chicago Cubs for prospect Jesús Castillo. [8] In 16 more appearances with the Cubs to finish 2016, Smith had a 1-1 record and a 2.51 ERA. Overall in 2016, combined with both teams he played for, Smith made 54 total appearances with a 1-4 record and a 3.82 ERA. Smith was a member of the Cubs' 2016 World Series championship team but did not make any postseason appearances. [9]

Toronto Blue Jays

On February 9, 2017, Smith signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. [10] [11] Smith became the Blue Jays setup man early in the season, after Jason Grilli struggled in the role and Joe Biagini was moved to the starting rotation. [12] He was placed on the 10-day disabled list on June 19 with shoulder inflammation. [13] In 38 games, he was 3-0 with a 3.28 ERA in 35+2⁄3 innings.

Cleveland Indians (second stint)

On July 31, 2017, the Blue Jays traded Smith to the Cleveland Indians for Thomas Pannone and Samad Taylor. [14] In 18+1⁄3 innings, he had an ERA of 3.44 for the Indians.

Houston Astros

On December 13, 2017, Smith signed a two-year contract with the Houston Astros worth $15 million. [15] In his first season in Houston, Smith appeared in 56 games, recording a record of 5-1 in 45+2⁄3 innings with a 3.74 ERA. On December 13 while working out, Smith suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon. He underwent surgery for it on December 20. [16]

In 2019, Smith was 1–0 with a 1.80 ERA in 28 relief appearances in which he pitched 25.0 innings. [17]

On December 16, 2019, Smith resigned with the Astros on a two-year contract worth $8 million. [18] Smith did not play in the abbreviated 60-game 2020 season and forfeited his $4M salary after returning to Ohio to spend time with his mother who was battling the final stages of Huntington's disease. [19] Smith returned to the Astros in 2021, but struggled to a 7.48 ERA in 27 appearances with the team. [20]

Seattle Mariners

On July 27, 2021, Smith was traded to the Seattle Mariners along with Abraham Toro in exchange for Rafael Montero and Kendall Graveman. [21]

Minnesota Twins

On March 20, 2022, Smith signed with the Minnesota Twins. [22] In 34 appearances for Minnesota, he registered a 4.61 ERA with 17 strikeouts across 27+1⁄3 innings of work. On August 3, Smith was designated for assignment by the Twins. [23] He was released on August 5.

On January 31, 2024, Smith announced his retirement from professional baseball via Instagram. [24] [25]

Pitching style

Smith's pitching style is different from most. According to hitters, he comes at the batter from third base. His release point is about 4:30 on the analog clock, lower than sidearm, and higher than submarine. [26] Smith's fastball usually is at 88–90 mph, sometimes reaching 93 mph. His fastball can even be considered a sinker because of its hard downward movement. He routinely gets ground balls because of this. Smith also throws a slider and a changeup.

Personal life

Smith is married to Turner Sports reporter Allie LaForce. [27] Their first child, a son, was born in 2022. [28]

In 2012, Smith's mother was diagnosed with Huntington's disease; the condition leads to the death of nerve cells in the brain. Smith has a 50% chance of inheriting the condition. [27] Smith and LaForce dedicate much of their free time to raising awareness for their organization HelpCureHD.org, which provides funding for couples to go through the PGD-IVF process as a way to stop the disease from continuing to future generations. [28]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Aardsma</span> American baseball player (born 1981)

David Allan Aardsma is an American former professional baseball pitcher, currently serving in the Toronto Blue Jays front office as a coordinator of player development. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2004 to 2015 for the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Atlanta Braves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Morrow</span> American baseball player (born 1984)

Brandon John Morrow is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">César Valdez</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1985)

César Miguel Valdez is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Angels, and in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) for the Lamigo Monkeys.

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

Robert Paul Rasmussen is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners. Prior to his professional career, Rasmussen attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and played college baseball for the UCLA Bruins.

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

Aaron Jacob Sanchez is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, San Francisco Giants, Washington Nationals, and Minnesota Twins. He was drafted by the Blue Jays in the first round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft, and made his MLB debut in 2014. In 2015, Sanchez was ranked by MLB as the number 3 prospect in the Blue Jays' organization, and the 44th best prospect in baseball.

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

Anthony Edward Bass is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, Miami Marlins, and Toronto Blue Jays. Bass has also played for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He played college baseball at Wayne State University.

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

Brett Raymond Oberholtzer is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Angels.

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

Neil Andrew Ramírez is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, and Toronto Blue Jays.

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

Brooks Lee Raley is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, and New York Mets and in the KBO League for the Lotte Giants. Raley played college baseball for the Texas A&M Aggies. The Cubs selected Raley in the sixth round of the 2009 MLB draft and he made his MLB debut with them in 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roberto Osuna</span> Mexican baseball player (born 1995)

Roberto Osuna Quintero Jr. is a Mexican professional baseball pitcher for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros.

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

Zachary Martin Rosscup is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, and Toronto Blue Jays.

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

Dominic Joseph Leone, nicknamed "Dominator", is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, Los Angeles Angels and Chicago White Sox. Leone played college baseball for the Clemson Tigers. The Mariners selected Leone in the 16th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft.

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

Michael P. Bolsinger is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays and for the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

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

Kendall Chase Graveman is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miguel Castro</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1994)

Miguel Ángel Castro is a Dominican professional baseball relief pitcher in the Houston Astros organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, Colorado Rockies, Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, New York Yankees, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Castro signed with the Blue Jays as an international free agent in 2012, and made his MLB debut in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Tepera</span> American baseball pitcher (born 1987)

Dennis Ryan Tepera is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and St. Louis Cardinals. He attended Brazoswood High School in Texas, and played college baseball for the Sam Houston State Bearkats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Borucki</span> American baseball pitcher (born 1994)

Ryan Joseph Borucki is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

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

Joseph Carlo Biagini is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs. The San Francisco Giants selected Biagini in the 26th round of the 2011 MLB draft, and he made his MLB debut for Toronto in 2016. Born in the United States, he represented the Italy national baseball team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nate Pearson</span> American baseball player (born 1996)

Nathan Alexander Pearson is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Toronto Blue Jays. Pearson made his MLB debut in 2020 with the Blue Jays, and they traded him to the Cubs during the 2024 season.

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

Thomas Edward Pannone is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, and in the KBO League for the Kia Tigers.

References

  1. ↑ "2005 CRSCBL Statistics". Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved March 26, 2008.
  2. ↑ "Mlb.com box score". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 25, 2007.
  3. ↑ "Indians, Mariners, Mets complete trade". Archived from the original on February 25, 2012. Retrieved December 11, 2008.
  4. ↑ Meisel, Zack (January 18, 2013). "Indians sign Perez, Smith to one-year deals". MLB.com. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  5. ↑ "Ubaldo Jimenez Leads Cleveland Indians' Free Agent Crop". Archived from the original on October 20, 2013. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  6. ↑ Gonzalez, Alden (November 24, 2013). "Angels to sign former Indians reliever Smith". MLB.com. Retrieved November 24, 2013.
  7. ↑ Angels [@Angels] (November 28, 2013). "#Angels officially agree to terms with RHP Joe Smith – Welcome to the Halos Mr. Smith!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  8. ↑ "Right-handed reliever Joe Smith acquired by Cubs". ESPN.com. August 1, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
  9. ↑ Bastian, Jordan; Muskat, Carrie. "Chicago Cubs win 2016 World Series". MLB. Archived from the original on November 30, 2017. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
  10. ↑ "Blue Jays designate A.J. Jimenez, Chad Girodo for assignment". Sportsnet . February 9, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
  11. ↑ Chisholm, Gregor (February 9, 2017). "Blue Jays make deals with Howell, Smith official". MLB.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2017. Retrieved February 10, 2017.
  12. ↑ Davidi, Shi (May 9, 2017). "Blue Jays' Joe Smith always ready for the call". Sportsnet . Retrieved May 21, 2017.
  13. ↑ Zwelling, Arden (June 19, 2017). "Blue Jays place Joe Smith on DL with shoulder inflammation". Sportsnet . Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  14. ↑ "Blue Jays trade Liriano to Astros for Aoki, outfield prospect". Sportsnet . July 31, 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  15. ↑ McTaggart, Brian (December 13, 2017). "Astros reach a deal with RP Smith". MLB.com. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  16. ↑ Footer, Alyson (December 20, 2018). "Astros reliever Smith ruptures Achilles tendon". MLB.com. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Joe Smith Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 11, 2019.
  18. ↑ Adler, David (December 16, 2019). "Astros re-sign Joe Smith on 2-year deal". MLB.com. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
  19. ↑ McTaggart, Brian (February 10, 2021). "With void in his heart, Smith set for fresh start: Astros side-armer raring to go after sitting out 2020 to be with his ailing mom". MLB.com. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  20. ↑ "Mariners' Joe Smith: Sent to Mariners".
  21. ↑ "Astros trade for Graveman, Montero from M's". July 27, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  22. ↑ "Joe Smith joins Twins with 1,000 games in sight". MLB.com .
  23. ↑ "Twins designate reliever Joe Smith for release as part of latest roster moves". startribune.com. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  24. ↑ "Joe Smith: Retires from baseball". cbssports.com. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  25. ↑ "Instagram".
  26. ↑ Noble, Marty. "Mets like what they see in Smith" Archived May 19, 2011, at the Wayback Machine , February 19, 2007. accessed July 7, 2007.
  27. 1 2 Dwyre, Bill (March 9, 2015). "Angels' Joe Smith is not nearly as common as his name". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved March 21, 2015.
  28. 1 2 Lin-Fisher, Betty. "Akron doctor in training delivers sister's first baby" . Akron Beacon Journal . Retrieved May 15, 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.
Joe Smith
Joe Smith (34642131021).jpg
Smith with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017
Pitcher
Born: (1984-03-22) March 22, 1984 (age 40)
Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 1, 2007, for the New York Mets
Last MLB appearance
August 2, 2022, for the Minnesota Twins