The Milwaukee Brewers have added a low risk lottery ticket in Drew Smyly.
Heading into the 2019 season, the Texas Rangers were hopeful that Drew Smyly would be a valuable part of their rotation. One of the multitude of reclamation projects acquired to fill out their pitching staff, Smyly was brought in from the Cubs for a player to be named later. Unfortunately, he was unable to capture the form that made him such an intriguing pitcher just a few short years ago, leading to his release.
Now, it is the Milwaukee Brewers turn to take a chance on Smyly. The Brewers have signed Smyly to a minor league deal, and have assigned him to AAA.
#Brewers GM David Stearns said LHP Drew Smyly will be assigned to @missionsmilb and join the starting rotation there.
— Tom (@Haudricourt) July 1, 2019
Smyly hardly looked like a major league pitcher during his time in Texas. He posted a 1-5 record with an 8.42 ERA and a 1.909 WHiP, striking out 52 batters, but also issuing 34 walks in his 51.1 innings.
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After being acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014, Smyly looked like a future Cy Young candidate. He had a stellar 1.70 ERA and a 0.755 WHiP in his seven appearances down the stretch in Tampa Bay that season, and followed with a solid 3.11 ERA and a 1.170 WHiP, striking out 77 batters with just 20 walks in 66.2 innings in 2015. However, injuries cut that season short, and he has been unable to reach those heights since.
After making 30 starts in 2016, Smyly missed the next two years due to Tommy John surgery. It is understandable that he would struggle in his first action in nearly two years.
For a team like the Brewers, Smyly is the perfect gamble. They have needs, both in their rotation and in the middle of their bullpen. The fifth starter spot, which was expected to be solidified with the return of Jimmy Nelson, has been in flux all season. If Smyly can show promise in the minors, there is the possibility that he could get a look in Milwaukee as well.
The Milwaukee Brewers have nothing to lose by giving Drew Smyly a chance. If he can show some signs of being the pitcher he once was, Smyly could prove to be a bargain.