Diamondbacks right-hander Riley Smith walked off the mound one night last month. He had just completed his first inning of work in the major leagues. He had also just served up a grand slam to the Colorado Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon.
“Giving up a grand slam in my debut,” Smith recalled. “That can be overwhelming.”
For Smith, it turned out not to be. He retired the side in order the following inning, and he has proceeded to roll through his next four appearances, including another lengthy one in Tuesday night’s 7-0 win over the Texas Rangers.
Smith’s five shutout innings in relief of another Smith — Caleb Smith, a left-hander — helped the Diamondbacks to what might have been their tidiest victory of the season.