Smith (1-0) retired both batters he faced to earn the extra-inning win over the Astros on Wednesday.
Smith got the last two outs of the ninth inning, and Emmanuel Clase closed out the game in the 10th after the Guardians grabbed the lead. Aside from giving up two runs in back-to-back outings in mid-April, Smith has been one of the Guardians' many successful relievers early in the year after winning a job in the bullpen out of spring training. He's pitched to a 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 22:6 K:BB over his first 14.2 major-league innings, and he's added two holds.
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Guardians' Cade Smith: May begin in MLB bullpen
Rotowire
Smith will begin the season in the Guardians' bullpen unless the team acquires another reliever in the next few days, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.
At the moment, Smith's 2.25 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through eight spring innings has earned him a spot in Cleveland's bullpen, though it's unclear how aggressive the Guardians will be in pursuing another reliever to replace the 24-year-old righty. Smith spent most of last season in Triple-A Columbus, where he turned in a 4.65 ERA and 1.39 WHIP across 40.2 frames. If he does remain on Cleveland's Opening Day roster, he likely will be limited to low-leverage situations to begin his MLB career.
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Guardians' Cade Smith: Added to 40-man roster
Rotowire
The Guardians selected Smith to their 40-man roster Tuesday.
Smith pitched to a 4.02 ERA and 95:28 K:BB over 62.2 innings this past season between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus. The 24-year-old reliever is now protected from next month's Rule 5 Draft and might be poised to make his MLB debut at some point in 2024.
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Guardians' Cade Smith: Reassigned to minor-league camp
Rotowire
The Guardians reassigned Smith to minor-league camp Friday.
Smith split last season between High-A and Double-A, posting a 2.93 ERA and 1.19 WHIP across the two levels. He will likely return to Double-A Akron for the start of 2023, but there's a chance the Guardians feel comfortable enough with his progress to promote him to Triple-A Columbus right away.
