Diamondbacks look to stop 8-game skid against Angels
Arizona is looking to snap its eight-game losing streak with a win over Los AngelesJUNE 12, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Ohtani delivers on mound, at plate as Angels top D-backs 6-5
Shohei Ohtani struck out eight, hit two doubles at the plate and pushed through an injury scare to lead the Los Angeles Angels past the slumping Arizona Diamondbacks 6-5 in 10 inni...JUNE 12, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Fans eight in loss Smith (2-2) yielded one run on three hits and two walks over five innings Friday, striking out eight and taking a loss against the Brewers.
Impact Overall it was a strong start for Smith as the only run to score on him came via a fifth-inning solo shot by Daniel Robertson. Unfortunately for him, Arizona's offense couldn't get anything going against Corbin Burnes. Since rejoining the rotation, Smith has allowed just three runs while striking out 10 over 10 frames. Assuming he gets another turn in the rotation, the 29-year-old righty is lined up to face the Angels at home next weekend.
JUNE 6, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Burnes strikes out 13, D-Backs lose 17th in row on road
Corbin Burnes struck out a career-high 13 in seven innings, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat Arizona 2-0 to deal the Diamondbacks their team-record 17th straight road lossJUNE 6, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Diamondbacks take 4-game losing streak into matchup with Brewers
Arizona will try to break its four-game losing streak when the Diamondbacks take on MilwaukeeJUNE 6, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
LEADING OFF: Bosox try for sweep in Bronx, O's check Means
Rafael Devers and the Red Sox go for a three-game sweep at Yankee Stadium in this week’s Sunday night matchupJUNE 6, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
LEADING OFF: Bosox try for sweep in Bronx, O's check Means
Rafael Devers and the Red Sox go for a three-game sweep at Yankee Stadium in this week’s Sunday night matchupJUNE 6, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Yelich, Narváez HR, Brews hand D-backs 16th road loss in row
Christian Yelich and Omar Narváez hit back-to-back homers in the eighth inning and the Milwaukee Brewers beat Arizona 7-5, handing the Diamondbacks’ their team-record 16th straight...JUNE 5, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Starting Sunday Smith will start Sunday against the Brewers, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.
Impact Smith opened the year in the Diamondbacks' rotation but made just one poor start before being shifted to a bullpen role. He recorded a 2.70 ERA in 30 innings of relief before moving back into the rotation for his previous outing Tuesday against the Mets. Injuries to several Arizona starters, including most recently Madison Bumgarner (shoulder), mean Smith should have the opportunity to make several more starts and could remain in the rotation the rest of the way if he pitches well enough to deserve the role.
JUNE 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Awaits word from team Smith has not been told if he will be making another start, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.
Impact Smith made a passable fill-in start Tuesday and was good enough to earn another start. Already down three starters, the Diamondbacks await word on Madison Bumgarner, who left Wednesday's start with shoulder discomfort. It would seem Smith is a lock to remain in the rotation. If so, the left-hander would likely next pitch Sunday against the Brewers.
JUNE 3, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Smith on 2nd start: 'I feel like I proved myself' Whether Caleb Smith returns to a permanent spot in the D-backs’ rotation is unknown. As to whether he feels like he has regained his rotatio...
JUNE 2, 2021 • MLB.COM
Takes no-decision Tuesday Smith did not factor into the decision Tuesday, when he allowed two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out two over five innings in a 6-5 extra-inning win over the Mets...
Impact Smith made his first start since the third game of the season and kept the Diamondbacks in the game. The left-hander faced the minimum number of batters through three innings before Dominic Smith launched a two-run home run in the fourth. Smith threw 58 pitches and likely earned another start, which lines up for Sunday in Milwaukee.
JUNE 2, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Reddick 2-run double in 10th, D'backs rally past Mets 6-5
Josh Reddick hit a two-run double in the bottom of the 10th inning and the Arizona Diamondbacks rallied to beat the New York Mets 6-5JUNE 2, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Refines changeup Smith improved his changeup while working out of the bullpen, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.
Impact Smith not only became a better strike-thrower while working as a reliever, he refined his changeup into a usable fourth pitch. "We all know his spin -- his curveball and his slider -- that's how he strikes people out," Arizona pitching coach Matt Herges said. "(But) there have been outings where he hasn't had good feel for his slider and curveball and the changeup has completely rescued him." After being passed over for a number of starting opportunities, Smith makes his return to Arizona's rotation Tuesday.
JUNE 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Alonso powers Mets in return, deGrom beats Diamondbacks 6-2
Pete Alonso homered and had four RBIs in his return from the injured list, Jacob deGrom pitched six shutout innings and the New York Mets beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-2 for thei...JUNE 1, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Diamondbacks lefty Caleb Smith getting second crack at starting gig The Diamondbacks are giving left-hander Caleb Smith another chance in the starting rotation.
MAY 31, 2021 • AZCENTRAL.COM
D-backs end 13-game skid, top Cards 9-2 with Marte's 3 RBIs
Ketel Marte hit a tying home run in the third inning and go-ahead, two-run single in the fourth, helping the Arizona Diamondbacks stop a 13-game losing streak with a 9-2 win over t...MAY 30, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Rejoining rotation Tuesday Smith is expected to start Tuesday's game against the Mets, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.
Impact The 29-year-old opened the season in the rotation and was tagged for four runs (three earned) over three innings during his season debut against the Padres, and he's since been working out of the bullpen. Smith has pitched well as a reliever with a 2.70 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 36:13 K:BB across 30 innings. The left-hander topped 60 pitches over three frames May 23, so he may not face significant workload limitations while transitioning back to a starter.
MAY 30, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Cardinals' Martinez has no-hit bid end in 7th inning
Carlos Martinez’s no-hit bid ended in the seventh inning when the St. Louis right-hander gave up a leadoff single to Arizona’s Ketel MarteMAY 28, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Needed for bulk innings Smith allowed one run on four hits while striking out two over three innings in Sunday's 4-3 loss to Colorado.
Impact Smith gave the Diamondbacks multiple relief innings following starter Taylor Widener's departure after 1.2 innings due to a recurring groin injury. He has a history as a starter, including opening the season as part of the rotation, but manager Torey Lovullo appears intent on leaving him in the bullpen despite Arizona needing fill-in starters numerous times this season. They currently have two starters -- Zac Gallen (elbow) and Luke Weaver (shoulder) -- on the injured list, and now Widener leaves another hole in the rotation.
MAY 24, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Rockies start May with lopsided win, beat Diamondbacks 14-6
Dom Nuñez hit a grand slam, Trevor Story had three hits that included a two-run homer and the Colorado Rockies pounded out 18 hits in a 14-6 win over the Arizona DiamondbacksMAY 2, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Garners second win Smith (2-1) was dominant in earning the win over the Rockies on Thursday. He struck out all three batters faced in the seventh inning of a 5-3 win.
Impact Smith elicited nine swings-and-misses on his 12 pitches and put himself on the radar for a return to the rotation. Since being dropped to the bullpen, Smith has sparkled in relief, allowing just one run on six hits and five walks while striking out 16 over 12.2 innings. Manager Torey Lovullo was asked by Steve Gilbert of MLB.com about the rotation going forward in light of Taylor Widener's groin injury and another sub-par outing from Luke Weaver. "We feel like we have other moving parts in that area (rotation) that we might look at first, because he's created a little spot for himself," the manager said. Lovullo's comments suggest the Diamondbacks are happy with the niche Smith has carved out in the 'pen and may look to other arms for the rotation.
APRIL 30, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Bumgarner scheduled to start as Arizona hosts Colorado
The Rockies will start Jon Gray on Friday while the Diamondbacks are expected to counter with Madison BumgarnerAPRIL 30, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Smith leads stellar D-backs' bullpen in 5-3 win over Rockies
Eduardo Escobar hit a go-ahead triple, Josh Rojas connected for a solo homer and the Arizona Diamondbacks climbed out of an early three-run hole to beat the Colorado Rockies 5-3 on...APRIL 30, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Earns first win in relief Smith (1-1) pitched 1.1 scoreless innings, striking out two and walking one while picking up the win in Thursday's 14-11, extra-innings victory over Cincinnati.
Impact The lefty has pitched well after transitioning to the bullpen, now holding a 2.63 ERA across 13.2 innings pitched. Command does remain an issue for Smith, who has walked eight batters thus far in 2021. Arizona lacks legitimate rotation depth and it wouldn't be surprising to see the 29-year-old return to a starting role at some point.
APRIL 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
