Josh Smith (left-handed pitcher) should not be confused with Josh Smith (right-handed pitcher).
| Josh Smith | |
| Position: | Pitcher |
| Birth Date: | 11 October 1989 |
| Birth Place: | Pleasant Hill, Missouri, U.S. |
| Bats: | Left |
| Throws: | Left |
| Debutleague: | MLB |
| Debutdate: | May 25 |
| Debutyear: | 2019 |
| Debutteam: | Cleveland Indians |
| Finalleague: | MLB |
| Finaldate: | August 19 |
| Finalyear: | 2020 |
| Finalteam: | Miami Marlins |
| Statleague: | MLB |
| Stat1label: | Win–loss record |
| Stat1value: | 0–0 |
| Stat2value: | 6.91 |
| Stat3label: | Strikeouts |
| Stat3value: | 18 |
| Teams: | |
Joshua Dwayne Smith (born October 11, 1989) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians and Miami Marlins. Listed at 6inchesft3inchesin (ftin) and 200lb, he bats and throws left-handed.
Smith attended Pleasant Hill High School, in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Smith played college baseball for the Wichita State Shockers baseball team during 2009–2012.[1]
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Smith in the 25th round of the 2012 MLB draft.[2] During his time in the Pirates organization from 2012 through 2016, he played for the Gulf Coast Pirates, State College Spikes, West Virginia Power, Bradenton Marauders, Altoona Curve, and Indianapolis Indians.
On December 8, 2016, Boston Red Sox selected Smith from the Pirates in the minor league phase of the 2016 Rule 5 draft.[3] In 2017, he played for the Double–A Portland Sea Dogs and the Triple–A Pawtucket Red Sox.
Smith spent the 2018 season split between Portland and Pawtucket, making 30 appearances and accumulating a 9–4 record and 3.14 ERA with 103 strikeouts across innings pitched. He elected free agency following the season on November 2, 2018.[4]
Smith signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians on December 1, 2018.[5]
In 2019, Smith began the season with the Columbus Clippers, the Indians' Triple-A affiliate. The Indians selected Smith's contract on May 25, 2019.[6] He made his major league debut that evening against the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing no earned runs and striking out three batters in innings.[7] Smith was designated for assignment on September 13, 2019, after he appeared in eight games, striking out 12 in innings with a 5.40 ERA.
On September 14, 2019, the Miami Marlins claimed Smith off waivers.[8] Smith made six appearances with the Marlins, recording an 8.31 ERA and striking out two batters in innings.
On October 16, 2019, Smith was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds.[9] On July 24, 2020, Smith was designated for assignment by the Reds organization.
On July 27, 2020, Smith was claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins.[10] On August 29, the Marlins designated Smith for assignment.[11]
On May 3, 2022, Smith signed with the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League.[12] He appeared in 23 games, throwing 23.1 innings with an 8.87 ERA and 20 strikeouts. Smith won the Mexican League Championship with the Leones in 2022.[13]
On February 20, 2023, Smith retired from professional baseball.[14]
Smith is often referred to online and in print as Josh D. Smith, to differentiate him from Josh A. Smith, especially since the two players were teammates for the Pawtucket Red Sox in 2018.[15] The two were also teammates for the Miami Marlins in 2020.[16]