Astros, pitcher Joe Smith agree to terms on two-year deal
Joe Smith #38 of the Cleveland Indians in the ninth inning during game two of the American League Division Series at Progressive Field on October 6, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Houston Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow has announced that the team has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with free agent right-handed pitcher Joe Smith.
Smith, Luhnow and Astros manager AJ Hinch will take part in a news conference at Minute Maid Park at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Smith, 33, combined to go 3-0 with one save and a 3.33 ERA (20ER/54IP) in 59 games with the Blue Jays and Indians in 2017. He racked up 71 strikeouts in his 54.0 innings, allowing just a .229 opponent batting average. He also made four postseason appearances for the Indians in the ALDS, tossing 2.1 scoreless frames. In seven career postseason appearances, Smith has allowed just one hit and no runs (5 IP). Smith is a veteran of 11 Major League seasons, having spent time with the Mets (2007-08), Indians (2009-13, 2017), Angels (2014-16), Cubs (2016) and Blue Jays (2017). He’s made 698 career relief appearances, posting a 2.97 ERA (206ER/624.2IP).
With the addition of Smith, the Astros now have 39 players on the 40-man roster.