Marlins get lefty reliever off waivers from Indians
SAN FRANCISCO ¨C Hoping for a high payoff from a low-risk move, the Marlins claimed left-hander Josh Smith off waivers Saturday from the Indians.
Smith, 29, has demonstrated a knack for collecting strikeouts. He struck out 74 batters in 52 2/3 innings while posting an 8-1 record with a 2.73 ERA in 41 appearances this year for Cleveland¡¯s Triple-A affiliate in Columbus, Ohio. With Cleveland, Smith compiled a 5.40 ERA in eight appearances to go with 12 strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings.
¡°We¡¯re trying to get better any way we can, even if it¡¯s in small increments,¡± Marlins manager Don Mattingly said.
Smith is expected to join the club Monday at Arizona. To clear 40-man roster room for him, the Marlins moved utility man JT Riddle to the 60-day injured list.
Injury update
Outfielder Garrett Cooper (bruised left knee) remained on day-to-day playing status. Mattingly indicated that Cooper¡¯s injury was not a cause for concern.
¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like there¡¯s going to be a need at this point for any further testing,¡± Mattingly said.