Dylan Smith slams door on Tigers in ninth

The blown save was the product of a walk, a wild pitch and then a single through the right side of the infield. Rafael Devers probably could have gotten to it, but he instead retreated back to first, thinking that Osleivis Basabe had the easier play. Basabe, though, deflected it into the outfield while trying to make a diving attempt. In truth, neither infielder had much shot of turning it into an out, but both should have been capable of keeping the ball in the infield and preventing the runner from scoring from second. Smith is probably still the clear favorite for saves in San Francisco, but it’d be for the best if he doesn’t blow another chance right away.

Winn has the numbers of a closing candidate for the Giants, but manager Tony Vitello has bypassed him for that role at every opportunity. It looks like that’s happening again here after both Erik Miller and Caleb Kilian were traded today. The Giants didn’t need a closer tonight up while 5-0 in the ninth, but we’re guessing the job is Dylan Smith’s to lose.

The Red Sox sure are burning a lot of talent here. Miller is quite good and under control for three years after this one, but giving up a long-term regular for a left-handed reliever is quite a loss of value. Mayer is currently on the shelf with an arm injury and might not be much of a factor this year, but he should be the Giants’ second baseman next year and he remains very much an option at short if the club could find a taker for Willy Adames. Miller’s fantasy value disappears with the deal, since he won’t be a candidate for saves in Boston. With the Giants shedding both he and Caleb Kilian, Dylan Smith is probably their favorite for saves at the moment.

Smith struck out Michael Conforto and then got a couple of easy popups in his third appearance since being called up last week. He’s probably still behind a few guys in line for saves in San Francisco, but with no one else really stepping up, everyone is worth watching at the moment.

Smith gets the nod to return to San Francisco’s relief corps to replace injured lefty Matt Gage (knee). The 26-year-old recorded two outs during his season debut last month after coming over from the Tigers in a trade back in March. He’ll operate in low-leverage spots for the Giants.

Smith was up with San Francisco for Sunday’s game against the Pirates and would up recording a pair of outs in his season debut. The 25-year-old was acquired from the Tigers in a small trade back in late March.

Smith, 25, will get his first chance for the Giants after registering a 2.13 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and a 15/8 K/BB ratio over 12 2/3 innings in his first nine appearances at Triple-A Sacramento. Given the current state of the Giants’ bullpen, Smith could work his way into high-leverage opportunities if he continues to pitch like he did at Triple-A.

Smith was designated for assignment by the Tigers last week, so the Giants swooped in to make the acquisition. The 25-year-old had a 1.38 ERA in 13 innings for the Tigers last season. He has two options years left, so we’re guessing the Giants will send him to Triple-A for now.

Smith had been optioned to the minors at the beginning of the month, but the Tigers needed a spot on the 40-man roster for Kevin McGonigle, so he has now been waived. If he clears waivers, he will likely remain in the Tigers’ organization.

Neither right-hander had a realistic shot at cracking the team’s Opening Day roster, so there are no surprises here. Madden, 26, will open the season in the rotation at Triple-A Toledo. Both hurlers should have an opportunity to pitch for the Tigers at some point during the 2026 campaign.