In April, Smith had a 9.64 ERA, and in May and June, he had a 1.13 ERA and 3.86 ERA respectively. In particular, he has a 5.49 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings.
Astros still have $12 million to pay on Smith's contract, and during his injury time, they might want to take it safe and get some tests done while he is on the 10-day DL. They might want to get him back soon enough.
With Smith's injury, Astros now have room for Reymin Guduan. According to McTaggart, the left-handed reliever has been promoted. Guduan made his MLB debut in 2017, pitching in 22 games and has won his first championship, 2017 World Series, with the Astros. Gudan has a 7.88 ERA in his rookie season.
Reymin Guduan recall, Joe Smith to DL (elbow discomfort)
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) June 10, 2018
Still classified as a rookie, Guduan will have his chance to regain the Astros confidence.
Reymin Guduan in 2018 w/ @FresnoGrizzlies.
29 innings
3.10 ERA
18 BB
43 SO
13.3 SO per 9Brings another left-hander into the fold for the #Astros bullpen.
— Astros By The Numbers (@astro_numbers) June 10, 2018