Houston Astros: Joe Smith trying not to be team’s lone bust
The Houston Astros didn’t acquire several pieces this offseason. But they made major steals in Hector Rondon and Gerrit Cole. Joe Smith hasn’t been in that category, but he’s doing everything he can to retain his role.
The Houston Astros made a splash this offseason when they acquired Gerrit Cole. Thus far, that deal has already paid off significantly.
Yet Houston also made a few smaller moves to improve the bullpen. Hector Rondon was a steal, considering how dominant he’s been in later innings. Now he’s the team’s primary closer and thriving.
But what seemed like a steal in Joe Smith seemed to backfire after the first two months. The reliever has an opportunity to rebound in the second half, and thus far, he’s answered the call.
Houston took a risk when they signed the 34-year-old. But it was worth taking, considering that he was the definition of consistent prior to this season. The highest ERA Smith posted during his first 11 MLB seasons was a 3.83 ERA in 2010.
Since then, he’s pitched at least 50 innings per season with a relatively consistent ERA around 3.00 and a WHIP below 1.25. Before 2018, Smith never owned a 4.00 ERA.
But there is a possibility that Smith’s age has caught up to him. The Houston reliever’s velocity dropped across each of the past five years.
Yet, that isn’t ultimately what’s caused his recent decline. Surprisingly, his diminished velocity has not led to an increased amount of hits allowed or walks. His numbers this season are better than his career averages, which is still promising.
More from Houston Astros
- Julio Rodriguez doing it all for Mariners, including playing peacemaker against Astros
- MLB Trade Deadline: AL West roundup with Rangers, Angels, Astros wishlist, A’s and Mariners for sale
- Grading Dana Brown and the Houston Astros front office at the season’s midway point
- Houston Astros: Houston, we have a Martin Maldonado problem
- Stock Up, Stock Down: Red Sox, Cardinals, Blue Jays and Astros
Nevertheless, Smith’s first few months of the season was rough, as he yielded eight runs in nine innings. However, the right-handed veteran hasn’t allowed a run since July across 6 2/3 innings with no walks.
Smith’s current WHIP now sits below 1.00, which suggests he can whittle down his ERA unless he allows an excessive amount of home runs. His home run rate is up this season, but that shouldn’t be his ultimate downfall.
If – or when – the Astros obtain a reliever on the trade market, Smith’s role will diminish. But unless Ken Giles miraculously reappears on the active roster, his spot remains safe presumably. Houston manager A.J. Hinch could send down Cionel Perez before Smith.
The veteran has a postseason resumé as well. Though he did not pitch a substantial amount of innings for his prior teams, he was effective. He did not allow a run across five innings overall.
And that’s essentially one reason Houston signed the reliever to a two-year deal this offseason. The Astros, expected to make the postseason, need reliable arms come October.
Next: Two relievers Houston could wind up with
Smith didn’t seem dependable during April. But he’s settling in as the season progresses and could be a key piece for the Astros once playoffs arise.