DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers have claimed left-handed reliever Josh Smoker off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Pirates designated Smoker for assignment earlier this week.
After claiming Smoker, the Tigers optioned him to Triple-A Toledo.
To create a space for Smoker on the 40-man roster, the Tigers designated right-handed pitcher Warwick Saupold for assignment. If Saupold clears waivers, he can be outrighted back to Toledo.
Smoker, 29, was a first-round draft pick of the Washington Nationals in 2007. He was selected four spots after the Tigers picked Rick Porcello.
He pitched for the New York Mets in 2016 and 2017 and had a brief stint with the Pirates in 2018.