With the World Series beginning tonight at Minute Maid Park, the Houston Astros will be adding an extra reinforcement to their bullpen.
Veteran left-hander Will Smith, who was with the Atlanta Braves last season when they defeated the Astros, has been activated and added to the Astros’ World Series roster.
Smith was acquired from Atlanta at the trade deadline in exchange for veteran starter Jake Odorizzi.
Smith was 0-3 in the regular season with a 3.97 ERA in 65 appearances.
The 33-year-old will be replacing right-hander Seth Martinez on the roster.
In his career, Smith is 4-2 with a 1.47 ERA across 20 appearances in postseason play.
Houston #Astros lefty reliever Will Smith, who won a World Series title last year with Atlanta, has been added to the Astros’ World Series roster. He replaces RHP Seth Martinez.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 28, 2022
Astros Add Smith To World Series Roster
Having a veteran in Smith added to the bullpen is key for the Astros.
Houston is currently missing right-hander Phil Maton, who is out for the postseason after punching a locker and injuring his finger.
But Smith being added back to the bullpen is a major bonus for the Astros, who are playing to win their second title in the last six years.
Smith will be key for the Astros, especially when considering the left-handed hitters the Philadelphia Phillies have in their lineup, those being Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber.
Smith could be used to potentially neutralize Harper and Schwarber.
At the very least, Houston will add an experienced pitcher to their bullpen and one that has good numbers in postseason play for his career.
Game 1 gets underway tonight at 8:03 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Astros will hope that adding Smith to their bullpen gives them a slight advantage over the Phillies and their powerful lefty bats.
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