The Athletics have designated righty Chad Smith for assignment, the club announced. His roster spot will go to fellow right-hander Fernando Rodriguez, who was called up from Triple-A.
Smith, 25, was bombed for five earned runs in his 1 1/3 innings this year, surrendering five hits and three walks. He had thrown 11 2/3 solid frames at Triple-A, however, and has generally been fairly productive in his rather short time in the upper minors.
Oakland claimed Smith off waivers from the Tigers back in February. He lost his 40-man spot with Detroit when the team needed roster space for the addition of Joba Chamberlain.
Why Fernando Rodriguez? I thought Oakland was more creative and would consider Venditte (younger than Rodriguez btw) who’s ERA is all of 1.10 in 16 innings and a long MiLB track record to back it up. Rodriguez has a 4.52 career MiLB ERA and a matching 4.62 MLB tally and neither were on the 40-man. Not impressed Oakland.
Have you seen him pitch?
Venditte doesnt have major league stuff imo.
additionally, Venditte owns only a 1.56 k’s/bb this season in AAA despite the ERA… which doesn’t really matter.
agree with your assessment, agureghian – and Rodriguez looked good in his two innings against the Twins this Thursday, May 7.