Will Smith To Debut At Yankee Stadium

Weird rumors bounced around Twitter as random user @RyanMFKovacs tweeted that his friend was being called up to the Royals. When asked by someone who that friend was, he answered Will Smith. No official word came from the Royals until later in the afternoon, as moves had to be made to get Smith on the roster.

Chris Getz has been fighting a hurt rib and was placed on the 15 day disabled list. To open up a spot on the 40 man roster, Blake Wood, who’ll undergo Tommy John surgery, was moved from the 15 day to 60 day DL.

Smith joined the team in New York Tuesday. The Royals announced after the team’s loss that Smith would get the start on Wednesday.

His response?

“Same game. Bigger stadium.”

Smith had a 4.01 ERA in Omaha in 2012 over 51.2 innings pitched. His best asset is control, as over 96 starts and 564.2 innings he has a 2.1 BB/9. In 2012, his walkrate was 2.3 BB/9, but if one were to omit his first start on Omaha’s opening day* his walkrate improves to 1.29 BB/9.

*Smith walked six in three innings – an uncharacteristic line for his track record. Sure, you can’t just ignore it, but if you could…

The tall lefty throws strikes and has given up hits in Omaha, but after injuries to Jonathan Sanchez and Danny Duffy the Royals are in need of arms and want to keep a crew of long relievers on hand while the rotation tries to stabilize. Smith’s stuff consists of a low-90s fastball, a decent changeup and a slider which he’s developed since coming over with Sean O’Sullivan in the Alberto Callaspo trade in July of 2010.

Smith made two appearances in spring training with the Royals, pitching four innings with no runs allowed while striking out two and walking none.