WILL SMITH NEWS

Not used for save Smith was bypassed in a save situation in Friday's 9-7 extra-inning loss to the Athletics.

Impact Smith had pitched three of the last four games, including the previous two, so this could have been manager Bruce Bochy not wanting to use his closer for a fourth time in five nights. Instead, the manager stuck with Brock Burke, who had finished out the ninth but didn't retire a batter in the extra frame.

MAY 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Collects seventh save Smith picked up the save Thursday against the Athletics, retiring the only batter he faced.

Impact Smith came in with two on and two outs in the ninth and struck out Brent Rooker on four pitches. The one-out save helped bail out Nathan Eovaldi, who dominated through 8.2 innings. Smith is up to seven saves having earned the closer duties over Jose Leclerc.

MAY 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Secures sixth save Smith struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his sixth save of the season in a 4-3 win over the Mariners.

Impact The veteran reliever continues to get the job done as the Rangers' closer. Smith has converted six of seven save chances through 14 appearances while also adding four holds, and he's only been scored upon in three of those outings. With Jose Leclerc once again having trouble finding the plate and having been shifted to low-leverage work for now, Smith has little competition for his spot on the depth chart.

MAY 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Fans all three hitters in save Smith picked up the save Monday against the Mariners. He struck out the side over a perfect inning.

Impact This was a nice bounce-back outing for Smith after blowing the save against the Angels last Friday. This was the first time this season that the southpaw struck out the side, and he now sports a 3:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio on the year. The 33-year-old journeyman also has a 1.15 WHIP, still making him a solid relief option 11 years into his career.

MAY 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Remains high-leverage reliever Texas manager Bruce Bochy said Smith will remain pitching in high-leverage situations following Friday's blown save, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Impact In Smith's first appearance after anointed as the team's closer -- taking over for Jose Leclerc -- the left-hander was rocked by the Angels in Friday's 5-4 extra-inning loss. Smith retains the confidence of the manager, who's watched the bullpen during a 13-game stretch when it either blew a lead or turned a tied game into a deficit in the seventh inning or later six times. There aren't many dependable arms for Bochy to choose from to close out games, so Smith should be safe.

MAY 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Falters Friday Smith (0-2) took the extra-inning loss and a blown save Friday versus the Angels. He gave up four runs (three earned) on four hits and a walk over 1.1 innings.

Impact Smith was responsible for all of the Angels' three runs in the ninth inning in his first appearance since being named the full-time closer. Despite that poor showing, he stayed in to face Shohei Ohtani after intentionally walking Mike Trout. Ohtani delivered a fielder's choice, and Josh Sborz reliever Smith, allowing the winning run to score on a wild pitch. While the loss was not fully Smith's fault, it was by far his worst outing of the season. He now has a 3.75 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 12:5 K:BB through 12 innings. He's added four saves and four holds in 12 appearances.

MAY 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Named closer Smith will receive the bulk of the save opportunities for the Rangers moving forward, manager Bruce Bochy told Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News on Wednesday.

Impact Smith collected his team-leading fourth save Tuesday in the Rangers' win over the Diamondbacks. He's recorded each of the club's last three saves to emerge as Bochy's clear lead option. Jose Leclerc entered the season seemingly at the top of the pecking order, and while he has a 0.93 ERA, his velocity has been down and he's walked seven in 9.2 innings.

MAY 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up fourth save Smith picked up the save Tuesday against the Diamondbacks. He didn't allow a run on one hit and one walk while striking out one over 1.1 innings.

Impact Smith was asked to get four outs while protecting a two-run lead. He struck out Nick Ahemd to end the eighth, but allowed the tying run to reach in the ninth before closing the door on the Diamondbacks. Smith has a team-high four saves with an excellent 1.69 ERA and 0.94 WHIP.

MAY 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Locks up third save Smith picked up the save in Friday's 5-2 victory over the Yankees. He didn't allow a run, hit or walk while striking out one over one inning.

Impact Smith needed just eight pitches to retire the side in the ninth inning. The lefty has a team-high three saves on the season, as Smith and Jose Leclerc are splitting closer duties. Both pitchers have been excellent. Leclerc has a 0.93 ERA, while Smith is down to 1.93.

APRIL 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Shuts door on Oakland Smith allowed one hit and struck out one to record his second save in Sunday's 5-2 win over Oakland.

Impact With a couple of left-handed batters due up in the ninth, Texas manager Bruce Bochy had Smith close out the game instead of a rested Jose Leclerc. Smith has been reliable in whichever role Bochy wants, so more save chances can be expected. The lefty reliever has allowed two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out 10 over 8.1 innings.

APRIL 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Earns fourth hold Smith allowed one walk over two-thirds of an inning to earn a hold in Sunday's 9-1 win over Houston.

Impact Smith entered a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the seventh and got former teammate Yordan Alvarez on a weak grounder to quell the threat. It was the fourth hold of the season for Smith, who finished off a good weekend against the club for whom he pitched in 2022 and received his World Series ring. Smith has allowed one run, two hits and three walks while striking out nine over 6.2 innings.

APRIL 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Dodgers put Will Smith on IL with concussion, sign Wynns

The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed catcher Will Smith on the injured list because of a concussion and signed catcher Austin Wynns

APRIL 16, 2023 • Associated Press

Rangers getting plenty of relief after spending on starters

The Texas Rangers have already gotten quite a bit of a relief after spending all of that big money on starting pitchers

APRIL 6, 2023 • Associated Press

Urías throws 6 shutout innings, Dodgers beat Rockies 5-2

Will Smith hit a two-run homer, Julio Urías tossed six scoreless innings to outpitch Germán Márquez, and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 5-2

APRIL 5, 2023 • Associated Press

Calls save chance a surprise Smith conceded he was surprised to be called for Sunday's save opportunity against Philadelphia, Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Impact Smith had been warming up in the eighth inning if needed to replace Jonathan Hernandez, who worked a perfect inning, then sat down in preparation for Jose Leclerc to close. Smith said manager Bruce Bochy indicated on Opening Day that Leclerc was going to close for the Rangers to start the season. "So it was honestly kind of a surprise to all of us down there," Smith said. "Then the phone rings, and [bullpen coach] Brett [Hayes] says it's me." Bochy opted for Smith in Texas' first save situation and also talked about the versatility of the bullpen, noting that he could use any of his closer candidates in any inning.

APRIL 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Dodgers rally for 7 runs in 5th, put chill on Rockies 13-4

Jason Heyward slammed a two-run homer as part of a seven-run rally with two outs in the fifth inning, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 13-4 on a wind-whipped n...

APRIL 4, 2023 • Associated Press

Records save Sunday Smith retired all three batters faced to pick up the save in Sunday's 2-1 win over Philadelphia.

Impact Smith got the call for the first save situation presented to the Rangers. Jose Leclerc exited spring training as the presumptive closer, but he was bypassed in favor of Smith, who was a late addition to the roster this spring. Leclerc was well rested, having thrown 21 pitches Thursday.

APRIL 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Semien, Perez help Rangers win 2-1 to sweep NL-champ Phils

Marcus Semien drove in the go-ahead run with an RBI single in the fifth inning

APRIL 3, 2023 • Associated Press

D-backs' speed, bunt beat Dodgers 2-1, overcomes Syndergaard

Jake McCarthy drove in the tiebreaking run with a bunt single in the ninth inning, and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Dodgers 2-1 to overcome Noah Syndergaard in his first start...

APRIL 2, 2023 • Associated Press

Dodgers' offense hot on chilly night in 8-2 win over D-backs

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-2 in their season opener

MARCH 31, 2023 • Associated Press

Back to action Smith threw a scoreless relief inning in Wednesday's spring game against the White Sox.

Impact Smith hurled the eighth inning ahead of closer Jose Leclerc in what looked like the bullpen's dress rehearsal for the regular season. After five shutout innings from starter Nathan Eovaldi, Taylor Hearn got four outs and Jonathan Hernandez retired two batters before the back end of the bullpen finished it off. Smith has appeared in two games since returning to camp Monday following the birth of his son.

MARCH 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Returning to camp Smith is scheduled to pitch Monday after being out of camp for several days to attend the birth of his son, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Impact Smith has thrown just two innings this spring and hasn't been on the mound in a week. He was acquired by the Rangers as insurance after projected closer Jose Leclerc was shut down briefly due to neck spasms. Leclerc is pitching again, meaning Smith is expected to be part of the setup crew.

MARCH 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Meneses homers twice, Mexico clobbers US 11-5 in WBC

Joey Meneses hit two homers, including a crucial three-run shot in the fourth inning, to lead Mexico in a lopsided win over the United States 11-5 in the World Baseball Classic on...

MARCH 12, 2023 • Associated Press

Lefty Will Smith agrees to $1.5M, 1-year deal with Rangers

Left-handed reliever Will Smith agreed to a $1.5 million, one-year contract with the Texas Rangers and will report to spring training

MARCH 4, 2023 • Associated Press

Signs with Texas Smith signed a one-year contract with the Rangers on Saturday.

Impact Houston declined Smith's $13 million club option for 2023 after the lefty posted a 3.97 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and five saves over 65 appearances last season. Smith surpassed 30 saves in 2019 and 2021 with San Francisco and Atlanta, respectively, and could close in Texas with Jose Leclerc (neck) banged up. Smith is expected to join the team right away Saturday.

MARCH 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE