Former big-league pitcher Chad Smith to join Riders
FRISCO, TEXAS (AUGUST 28, 2015) - The Texas Rangers announced today that RHP Chad Smith has been assigned to the Frisco RoughRiders' roster. The right-hander has appeared in 12 major league contests in his career with Detroit and Oakland. In a corresponding roster move, RHP Adam Parks was placed on the seven-day disabled list.
Smith, 25, was designated for assignment by Oakland and traded to the Los Angeles Angels for cash on May 8. He pitched in six games for Triple-A Salt Lake and posted a 9.72 ERA over 8.1 IP. The Angels released Smith on June 6 and he signed a minor league contract with Texas on August 19.
The Thousand Oaks, Calif. native began the year with the Detroit Tigers organization before the Athletics claimed him off waivers on February 24. He opened the season with Triple-A Nashville and went 1-1 with a 2.31 in eight games. He was recalled by the Athletics on May 3 and pitched in two games for Oakland. He allowed five runs and five hits in 1 1/3 innings.
The Tigers originally selected Smith in the 17th round of the 2011 draft from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. The fourth-year professional owns a career 12-10 minor league record with a 2.97 ERA in 105 games. Smith has struck out a career 174 batters compared to 54 walks.
The RoughRiders conclude their home stand tonight at 7:05 p.m. against the San Antonio Missions (San Diego Padres). Fans can a spectacular post game fireworks show. The team has just four home games remaining this season. The team returns to Dr Pepper Ballpark for the final series of the regular season on Saturday, September 5 against the Midland RockHounds at 7:05 p.m. For tickets to see the Riders, fans can call (972) 731-9200, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.RidersBaseball.com. Additional updates and promotional information is available via the RoughRiders' Facebook, Twitter and websites.