The Astros announced today that righty Joe Smith has undergone surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon in his left leg. (H/t Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle, via Twitter.) It will sideline him for an estimated six-to-eight month stretch, putting a large chunk of his 2019 season in jeopardy.
Needless to say, that’s most unwelcome news for both player and team. Smith, 34, is said to have suffered the injury in a recent workout. The 34-year-old is slated to earn $8MM for the 2019 campaign, his second in Houston since signing a two-year deal last winter.
Smith, a crafty sidearmer who has held opposing right-handed batters to an anemic .215/.280/.311 batting line over his dozen MLB campaigns, would surely have been a part of the ’Stros pen again in 2019. Last year, he worked to a 3.74 ERA with 9.1 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9. He was tough to square up, as usual, but did allow nearly 1.4 homers per nine — about twice his career average.
Of course, it’s only fair to note that the organization will have a bevy of alternatives, particularly if it makes some rotation additions that bump other players into relief contention. Smith, in fact, was not much of a factor in the club’s postseason mix, cracking the roster but making just one appearance (which did not go well). Still, he’s a quality veteran performer and it always hurts to carry a salary commitment that doesn’t provide production. The Astros will have to hope that Smith is able to recover relatively quickly and provide a mid-season boost.
Well that stinks.
Is this like what caused Britton´s injury last year? This sucks for the player and team, freak injury.
Yup, exactly the same thing
Ban sled pushes
The picture isn’t even Joe Smith. It’s Will Harris smh
In their defense, all baseball players look alike. 😉
Unless you can do better, take a chill pill. Mistakes happen.
Usually, Todd only gets his Hispanics mixed up, now just everyone. Lol
Well,at least it’s still early enough in the offseason to find and sign a decent FA replacement.
There’s $8 MM flushed down the toilet.
Offseason injury may affect his salary.
No, it won’t affect his salary.
Not even arbitration player, but a veteran signed to 2 year contract (this upcoming season left).
It may affect Astros financial burden should team have insurance on player (not always guaranteed).
Since they know that he should miss at least a conservative estimated time, they can bump up free payroll space by percentage of his salary (representing injured non-active time on team) times percentage of payout by insurance, and known salary of 8 million
Sucks to see. Hopefully he has a quick recovery and can come back mid season.
Jeff Lunhow just called Britton’s agent.
He suffered this brutal injury same manner as Britton did. (off-season workout)
Do these guys workout like theyre in the Navy SEALS?!!
on the exact same date too, just a year apart
Ha ha . Babe Ruth never missed a game
Um, yeah, he did. The only season that Babe Ruth DID play in every game was 1928.
hope for the speedy recovery. he was very good as an angel.
Sucked when happened to waino few years back leaving batters box cost him a whole season. DH please !
Cleveland still loves this guy. I’m sure the Tribe would trade for him in his injured state for a slightly used, but somewhat minimally capable Jason Kipnis. Luhnow, seriously pick up the phone.
Smith for Kluber straight up.
Nope, The Indians know when to let them go.
Did the Astros just sign Brantley?
Oops!
Hope he gets well as soon as he can.
Tough break.
Tough break for a good guy.
That is a shame it seems as if the older he got the better he pitched.