Josh Smoker

Josh Smoker
Smoker with the Mets in 2016
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1988-11-26) November 26, 1988
Calhoun, Georgia
Bats: Left Throws: Left
MLB debut
August 19, 2016, for the New York Mets
MLB statistics
(through August 26, 2018)
Win–loss record 4–2
Earned run average 5.35
Strikeouts 97
Teams

Joshua Michael Smoker (born November 26, 1988) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He previously played for the New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB).

Early life

Smoker was born in Calhoun, Georgia to Mike, an engineer, and Debbie Smoker.[1] As a child, he was an Atlanta Braves fan and dirt track racer.[2]

In 2007, Smoker was rated the eleventh best draft-eligible pitching prospect by Baseball America. As a high school senior, he was named Gatorade Player of the Year for Georgia after finishing with a 1.24 ERA and 152 strikeouts over 73 innings pitched.[3] He initially committed to play college baseball for Clemson.[4]

Professional career

Washington Nationals

Smoker was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the first round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft out of Calhoun High School in Calhoun, Georgia.[5] In 2008, he underwent surgery on a bone spur in his shoulder. In 2013, Dr. James Andrews performed surgery on Smoker to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum. With his fastball velocity declining, the Nationals organization released him without him ever having played higher than Class A-Advanced.[3]

Rockford Aviators

After sitting out 2013 while recovering from surgery, Smoker played for the Rockford Aviators of the Frontier League in 2014.[3]

New York Mets

In 2015, he signed with the New York Mets.[6][7]

Smoker was promoted to the Major Leagues on August 19, 2016 and made his debut that day.[8] He picked up his first Major League win on August 29 after pitching a scoreless tenth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field.[9] In 2017, Smoker was named to his first ever Opening Day roster.[10] He was designated for assignment on January 26, 2018.[11]

Pittsburgh Pirates

On January 31, Smoker was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Daniel Zamora and cash considerations.[12] Smoker was designated for assignment on July 23, 2018.

Detroit Tigers

On July 28, 2018, Smoker was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Tigers. He was assigned to the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate the Toledo Mud Hens.[13] On August 26, 2018, the Tigers called up Smoker and he made his Tigers debut.[14] On September 6, 2018, the Tigers released Smoker.[15]

Personal life

Smoker married his high school sweetheart, Nicole, in December 2014.[16]

References

  1. ↑ Wagner, James (October 4, 2016). "Once Damaged Goods, Mets' Josh Smoker Returns to the Top Shelf". The New York Times. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  2. ↑ Carig, Marc (September 11, 2016). "Smoker fulfills boyhood dream at Turner Field". Newsday. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  3. 1 2 3 Guardado, Maria (February 29, 2016). "How Josh Smoker went from independent leagues to Mets' bullpen candidate". NJ.com. Retrieved August 21, 2016.
  4. ↑ Svrluga, Barry (August 14, 2007). "'Let's Go. I Just Want to Pitch.'". Washington Post. Retrieved August 21, 2016.
  5. ↑ Write, Jeremy Stewart, Rome News-Tribune Sports. "Smoker drafted 31st overall by Washingto - Sport".
  6. ↑ Editor, Alex Farrer, Calhoun Times Sports. "Professional Baseball: Smoker tries to make the most of second chance".
  7. ↑ "Worthy: Josh Smoker healthy and having fun on the mound".
  8. ↑ "Mets call up lefty reliever Josh Smoker, demote Josh Edgin".
  9. ↑ Botte, Peter (August 29, 2016). "Cespedes saves the day! Mets beat Marlins in 10th on Yoenis HR". New York Daily News. Retrieved August 29, 2016.
  10. ↑ Carig, Marc (April 2, 2017). "Four Mets enjoy first time on Opening Day roster". Newsday. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  11. ↑ "Mets Designate Josh Smoker For Assignment". MLB Trade Rumors.
  12. ↑ "New York Mets on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved January 31, 2018.
  13. ↑ McCosky, Chris (July 28, 2018). "Tigers sign lefty reliever Josh Smoker, DFA Saupold". The Detroit News. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Tigers call up lefty reliever Josh Smoker". MLive.com. Retrieved 2018-08-26.
  15. ↑ "Tigers take a flier, claim outfield prospect Dustin Peterson from Braves". Detroit News. Retrieved 2018-09-07.
  16. ↑ Helfand, Betsy (July 27, 2016). "51s pitcher Josh Smoker and wife, Nicole, balance life on, off field". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
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