Ken Rosenthal reports that the Indians have acquired reliever Joe Smith from the Blue Jays. The Jays’ return is not yet known.
Smith, 33, has a 3.28 ERA with a 51/10 K/BB ratio in 35 2/3 innings out of the bullpen this season. He’s been particularly tough on right-handed hitters, holding them to a .527 OPS. This is Smith’s second stint with the Indians, as he pitched for the club from 2009-13. The right-hander is owed the remainder of his $3 million salary and can become a free agent after the season.
Smith will help bolster the bullpen behind closer Cody Allen, joining Andrew Miller and Bryan Shaw in handling the later innings.
