Joe

Smith

Smith, 39, had been out of baseball since the Twins released him in Aug. 2022. The sidearmer had a terrific career, finishing with a 3.14 ERA in 866 appearances over 16 seasons and a 2.57 ERA in 18 postseason outings. His best season was 2014, when he earned 15 of his 30 career saves and posted a 1.81 ERA in 74 2/3 innings for the Angels. It’s not an official statistic, but his 228 holds rank second all-time (Tony Watson had 246), according to Fangraphs, and he’s 36th on the career appearances list.

Smith got off to a strong start this season with the Twins, but faded recently and was designated for assignment earlier this week. The 38-year-old veteran right-hander finishes his Minnesota tenure with a pedestrian 4.61 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, and 17/9 K/BB ratio across 27 1/3 innings. There should be some interest on the open market.

The veteran reliever had posted a 4.61 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, and 17/9 K/BB ratio through 27 1/3 innings this season with Minnesota. Caleb Thielbar is being activated off the IL in a corresponding roster move.

A really tough day for the active leader in appearances in his second outing since coming off the IL. His ERA jumped all of the way from 2.63 to 4.88 today. It’s not only the first time that Smith has ever given up three homers in an outing, but it’s just the second time he’s allowed more than one. He was actually facing the Twins the time he gave up two; they were hit by Oswaldo Arcia and ByungHo Park on Apr. 16, 2016.

Smith will return to Minnesota’s bullpen Wednesday versus the Brewers after missing around three weeks due to upper trap tightness. The veteran reliever holds a 2.78 ERA in 22 2/3 innings this season.

Smith landed on the injured list back in late June with right upper trap tightness and appears likely to return for Tuesday’s series opener against the Brewers.

The Twins bullpen takes a blow losing Smith, who has recorded a 2.78 ERA across 22 2/3 innings. Jovani Moran was recalled to take his spot on the active roster.

Smith will fortify the Twins’ overhauled bullpen as an experienced middle reliever this season. The 37-year-old veteran righty has appeared in 832 games in 14 seasons since 2007. He posted a serviceable 4.99 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 34/8 K/BB ratio across 39 2/3 innings (50 appearances) last year between the Mariners and Astros.

The Twins have shown zero signs of slowing down and continue making moves at the outset of spring training. Smith was jettisoned from the Mariners’ 40-man roster last November and latches on with Minnesota after compiling a serviceable 4.99 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 34/8 K/BB ratio across 39 2/3 innings (50 appearances) last year between the Mariners and Astros.

Smith has opted for free agency after being removed from the Mariners’ 40-man roster. The 37-year-old right-hander posted a 4.99 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 34/8 K/BB ratio across 39 2/3 innings (50 appearances) between the Mariners and Astros this past season.