The Oakland A’s recalled pitcher Josh Smith on Monday, the team announced. To make room on the roster, 1B/OF Matt Olson was optioned to Triple-A Nashville.
Smith spent May and June in Oakland, appearing in 18 games mostly as a mopup man. The right-hander’s numbers were ugly, but he’s there mostly to fill space in low-leverage situations for a last-place team. Now he’s back for his second stint with the A’s.
Smith, 2017: 6.75 ERA, 24 ip, 15 Ks, 12 BB, 2 HR, 4.48 FIP
The A’s now have two Smiths on their pitching staff, with Chris Smith still holding a spot in the rotation.