Carson Smith nearing rehab assignment, could take pressure off Craig Kimbrel

Credit: Associated PressNEW YORK — If the Red Sox can get a half-season out of Carson Smith, that would take plenty of pressure off of Craig Kimbrel.

And John Farrell.

The Red Sox manager admitted after his club’s 5-4 win over the New York Yankees on Tuesday that he’s been reluctant to use Kimbrel for four-out saves, even though he keeps doing it and it keeps working for the Sox, who are 5-0 this season when Kimbrel records at least four outs.

If the Sox can get Smith back relatively soon, they shouldn’t need Kimbrel for four-out saves on most nights.

Smith threw off the mound in Yankee Stadium before Wednesday’s game. For the first time since he had Tommy John surgery last May, hitters stood…