RHP Steve Smith Activated

Right-handed pitcher Steve Smith was activated from the disabled list this afternoon, April 19, and in a corresponding move, right-hander Red Patterson has been sent to the rookie-level Ogden Raptors.
 
Smith began the season with the Isotopes and saw action in two games before being placed on the disabled list April 11. In his last outing against the Reno Aces on April 8, he tossed 1.2 innings, allowing just a solo home run and striking out one.
 
The 27-year-old Michigan-native is expected to start tonight's game against the Salt Lake Bees. It will be the second Triple-A start of his career, with the first coming against the Colorado Sky Sox May 20, 2013. He allowed two unearned runs in four innings and did receive a decision. Just last season, Smith finished off a 13-2 Isotopes win against Salt Lake on August 12. He came in for the ninth and allowed one run on two hits.
 
Patterson is currently 1-0 with a 2.76 ERA this season in three starts. He has struck out 11 and walked only three batters. The 26-year-old right-hander picked up the win last night in the series finale against El Paso, tossing seven innings of six-hit, two-run ball.
           
Albuquerque plays the first game of its eight-game, nine-day road trip tonight against the Salt Late Bees at 6:35 p.m. MT. Following the road swing, the Isotopes will return home for a 12-game home stand at Isotopes Park beginning April 28 against the same Salt Lake Bees.