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Winding career has taught new Tigers lefty Josh Smoker to take nothing for granted

TOLEDO, Ohio -- Daniel Stumpf is the only lefty in the Detroit Tigers bullpen and he's been clinging precariously to a roster spot for most of the summer.

So when the Tigers claimed left-handed reliever Josh Smoker on waivers 10 days ago, it seemed like a way of bolstering their depth with a viable backup option should Stumpf continue to struggle.

Smoker arrived at Triple-A Toledo last week (a day later than expected after his car was broken into along the way) and has pitched twice for the Mud Hens.

He isn't watching the box scores from Detroit or worrying about when -- or if -- he'll get the call to the big-league club.