Jason

Smith

Smith, who played in one game for Tampa Bay and hit .285 with a 770 OPS for Triple-A Durham last season, should have a chance to make the Tigers as a utility infielder.

Smith will get a call if the Rockies have any injuries to their infield.

Smith failed to build on his eight-hit, three-homer series at Petco in early April, and after getting quite a few at-bats the rest of the month, he didn’t play much in May. He’s still a decent sixth infielder, and he’d be a clear upgrade for the Orioles and maybe a few other teams.

Smith can reject the assingment and become a free agent. He has until Friday to decide.

Smith has hit .263/.324/.424 with five homers in 99 at-bats for the Rockies this season. If he clears waivers, he might be brought back in September. However, the Rockies would probably prefer to take another look at Omar Quintanilla.

Smith, 28, spent most of 2004 and the first two months of 2005 in the majors as a utilityman for the Tigers. He’s probably a more useful player than Aaron Miles, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he’ll have a roster spot. It’s more likely that he’ll serve as insurance in Triple-A.

Smith was batting .315 with nine homers for Durham, but those numbers are completely out of line with his usual totals. Expect him to be sent back down when Rey Ordonez comes off the DL.

Smith, normally a shortstop, had made just one appearance at third base in the minors this season. Offensively, he had a single in four at-bats. The Rays may want to give him a trial to see if he can be an option at third base, but it’s probably not going to work out well. Smith doesn’t hit enough to play shortstop in the majors.

The move could mean that Carlos Guillen (knee) will finally head to the disabled list. If that’s the case, Smith and Tony Giarratano would split time at shortstop.

Tony Giarratano figures to remain the Tigers’ primary shortstop while Carlos Guillen is out. Smith will be a utilityman.