Brewers LHP Will Smith to continue rehab assignment with Shuckers
BILOXI, MS - The Milwaukee Brewers have announced the following roster move that affects the Shuckers roster prior to today's 5:10 pm series finale against the Mobile BayBears at MGM Park. Milwaukee Brewers LHP Will Smith has had his MLB rehab assignment transferred to Biloxi from A+ Brevard County.
Smith, 26, is recovering from a right LCL sprain and is scheduled to pitch one inning for the Shuckers on Sunday against Mobile. In two outings with Brevard County, Smith tossed a combined 3.0 scoreless innings on Tuesday and Thursday for the Manatees, vs. the Clearwater Threshers, striking out four and walking none, limiting the opposition to just one hit.
One of the most reliable left-handed relievers in Major League Baseball the previous two seasons, Smith made 154 appearances over the 2014 and 2015 seasons. The Sharpsburg, GA native went 7-2 with a 2.70 ERA in 76 relief appearances last season leading the Brewers in appearances (76) for the second straight year. He was tied for fifth in the NL and held opponents to a .220 batting average with 91 strikeouts in just 63.1 innings. Only the Reds' Aroldis Chapman (116) had more strikeouts than Smith among NL relievers as Smith.
Making his first ever Opening Day Roster in 2014, Smith's 78 appearances tied the Pirates' Tony Watson for the National League lead and ranked third in the NL in holds (30). Smith struck out 86 batters in just 65.2 innings while opponents batted .248 against him.
Smith was acquired by the Brewers from Kansas City in exchange for OF Norichika Aoki on December 5, 2013. He had seven stints with the Royals (4/21, 4/28, 6/25-7/8, 8/4-8/6, 8/10-8/12, 8/16-8/20, 8/25-end) in 2013, going 2-1 with a 3.24 ERA in 19 games (1 start).
The southpaw was originally selected by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the seventh round of the 2007 draft. Smith was acquired by Kansas City from the Angels, along with RHP Sean O'Sullivan, in exchange for INF Alberto Callaspo on July 22, 2010.
The Shuckers current roster is made up of 25 active players and one MLB rehab.
Biloxi will look for the series split against Mobile on Sunday night at MGM Park. RHP Brooks Hall (1-0, 3.86) makes his second start of the year for the Shuckers, while RHP Edgar Garcia (1-2, 0.93) gets the call for the BayBears. First pitch is scheduled for 5:10 p.m., with coverage starting at 4:50 p.m. on the Biloxi Shuckers' Radio Network's flagship station WGCM 1240 AM, 100.9 FM, Pascagoula's WPMO 1580 AM and the TuneIn Radio app. Sunday features McDonald's Family Fun Day and Military Appreciation Day, with Shuckers' players sporting special jerseys for the contest. Active military and veterans will receive $4 off admission to Sunday's game.
The promotions continue on Tuesday night with Gautier and Vancleave Community Night, Double Play Thursday $2 ballpark favorites on Thursday, Biloxi Shuckers T-Shirt Giveaway, presented by the Mississippi National Guard on Friday, June 3rd and another Post-Game Fireworks Show on Saturday, June 4th.
About the Biloxi Shuckers:
The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and a member of the Southern League. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit biloxishuckers.com, follow the club on Twitter (@biloxishuckers), Instagram (@officialbiloxishuckers) or like the team on Facebook (facebook.com/biloxishuckers).