Dylan

Smith

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.

Smith returns to the minors after picking up his first career win by tossing 3 1/3 scoreless frames in the opening contest of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Nationals. The 25-year-old rookie should be back at some point in the next couple weeks.

If not the win, it would have been a save, as Smith got the final 10 outs in an 11-2 game. It was a true bullpen game for the Tigers, who had Tyler Holton throw two scoreless innings, Brant Hurter give up one run in 2 2/2 innings and then Tyler Owens allow one run in one inning. Smith has opened his MLB career with a 1.38 ERA in 13 innings, even though he’s struck out just four batters so far (none today). It’s quite the oddity, as he was able to fan 37 in 25 2/3 innings in the minors this season.

Smith was with the team as the 27th man for Thursday’s doubleheader against the Pirates, but he’ll stick around as an extra bullpen arm with Keider Montero getting optioned to Triple-A instead. He’ll give manager A.J. Hinch another weapon to deploy in the middle innings.