A's claim RHP Chad Smith off waivers from Detroit
The Oakland A's claimed right-handed pitcher Chad Smith off waivers from the Detroit Tigers, the club announced today. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the A's placed right-handed pitcher Taylor Thompson on the 60-day disabled list with a right shoulder strain.
Smith made his Major League debut with Detroit last year and had no decisions and a 5.40 ERA during a 10-game stint from June 18 to July 17. He spent the remainder of the season with Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo where he was a combined 5-3 with one save and a 3.45 ERA in 34 relief appearances. The 25-year-old right-hander also went 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in four relief appearances with Glendale in the Arizona Fall League following the season. Smith was originally selected by the Tigers in the 17th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft and is 11-9 with a 2.68 ERA in 91 career appearances in the minors.