Carson Smith: Relief Pitcher
The minor league season ends in early September, as to coincide with roster expansions, and once the AAA season is finished, it’s time to make a decision about players on rehab assignments.
Is there a chance that we’ll finally see Carson Smith pitch for the Red Sox? The pitcher has been on a rehab assignment since August 6th, and after struggling in his first start has been looking more and more like his old self lately.
Here are Carson Smith’s 2 strikeouts from his 1-2-3 inning! pic.twitter.com/hRGiO9zZdi
— Pawtucket Red Sox (@PawSox) August 22, 2017
His velocity is a few ticks lower than it was before his Tommy John surgery, but that’s to be expected. It’s said that it really takes a full two years after TJ surgery before a player is back to their pre-injury form, but Smith’s recent outings should inspire confidence.
Don’t count on Smith to slot in as a primary bullpen piece, or even to be pitching in the post season. Even if he comes back and pitches anything like he did in 2015 (2.31 ERA in 70IP) he will be a great option when the primary guys need a day off.
Blaine Boyer, Ben Taylor, and Brian Johnson are also either in the minor on rehab or currently on the minor league DL. Depending on their health, don’t be surprised to see one or all of these guys back in Boston this year.