TB minor contra

TB minor contract’... Is the ‘glass-body’ human a winner? ‘ML re-challenge’

 Butch Smith, who left Hanwha Eagles fans disappointed, is trying again in the major leagues.

Major League Trade Rumors (MLBTR), which reports major league transfer news, reported on the 6th (Korean time), “The Tampa Bay Rays signed a minor league contract with Smith.” This contract includes an invitation to spring camp.

The media said, "Smith has 191 innings of major league experience from 2013 to 2021. His ERA during that period is 6.03, but his 4.93 FIP (defenseless ERA) and 4.38 SIERA show that he deserves much better. “It hints at something,” he said, expressing his expectations.

He continued, "Smith spent the last two years overseas, joining the Seibu Lions of the Japanese professional baseball team for the 2022 season. He recorded an ERA of 3.29 in 38 ⅓ innings at Seibu. He joined the Hanwha Eagles in 2023. Unfortunately, he suffered a shoulder injury early in the season. “He was released in mid-April. There are three rosters of foreign players on KBO League teams. It is not uncommon for them to be released and replaced when they sustain a serious injury.”

Smith's latest news was also reported. MLBTR introduced his performance by saying, “I recently pitched 14⅓ innings for a team in the Dominican Winter League, recording an ERA of 2.51, and striking out 33.9% of the batters I faced,” and added, “Now that I am healthy and pitching well, I am heading to camp with Tampa Bay.” "I will go and try to return to the big leagues. I could be an attractive option for Tampa Bay, one of the most aggressive teams in the league," he said.

Smith was the player that Hanwha signed for $1 million (approximately 1.3 billion won) ahead of the 2023 season and was appointed as the first starter. Smith, who played for the Seibu Japanese professional baseball team before coming to Hanwha, recorded 1 win, 1 save, 4 holds, and an ERA of 3.29 in 20 games (38⅓ innings). As he gained experience on the Asian stage, his adaptation to the KBO league seemed to be no problem.

However, there was a lot of injury history. Therefore, Hanwha conducted a thorough medical test before signing a contract with Smith. As a result, concerns about injuries were said to have been erased. Smith, who returned after a successful camp, showed promise with an ERA of 1.42 in 3 games (12⅔ innings) in exhibition games.

However, concerns about injuries arose. 'Glass body' Smith appeared as a starting pitcher in the opening game against Kiwoom on April 1 and voluntarily retired due to shoulder pain after 2⅔ innings (2 runs) and 60 pitches. It was a devastated moment for both Hanwha and Hanwha fans.

Hanwha made a decision quickly. On April 19, Smith was released by applying for waiver notice from the KBO. Afterwards, Smith attempted a comeback in the Dominican Winter League after undergoing injury rehabilitation, and was able to aim for a return to the big leagues by signing with Tampa Bay.

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