Smith was designated for assignment by the Royals on Monday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was dropped from the team's 40-man roster in order to free up a spot for Conner Greene, who was claimed off waivers in a corresponding move. The 28-year-old right-hander struggled to a 6.92 ERA and 1.67 WHIP across 78 innings with the Royals in 2018.

Smith (1-2) surrendered five runs on five hits and three walks while fanning four across four innings as he took the loss Sunday against the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

Smith struggled throughout his fourth start of the 2018 campaign, as he allowed two runs in the first inning, one in the fourth and two more in the fifth prior to exiting with a five-run deficit. The 28-year-old right-hander was coming off an excellent outing versus Detroit (two runs allowed over 6.1 innings), but he didn't appear to have his best stuff against a tough Yankees' lineup. Smith owns a 6.00 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with 55 strikeouts through 54 innings this season.

Smith (1-1) got the win Tuesday, allowing two runs on one hit and two walks while striking out six over 6.1 innings against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was in total command, inducing 17 swinging strikes while taking a one-hitter into the seventh inning. The only trouble he ran into all night came in his final frame, as he walked the final two batters he faced before seeing both runs come around to score against the bullpen. The 28-year-old has made three starts this year, and this was the first time he lasted more than 3.1 innings so Tuesday's terrific outing comes as a bit of a surprise. He'll draw a tougher matchup next time out, Sunday against the Yankees.

Smith (0-1) tossed two innings and took the loss Sunday, yielding two runs on three hits while striking out two in the 10-1 loss to the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has started two games this season, allowing six runs in just 5.1 innings. His ERA was bumped to 5.98 alongside a 45:22 K:BB in 43.2 innings on the year. If Smith gets another look in the rotation, he should take the mound at home against Detroit next Tuesday.

Smith will likely start Sunday's game against the White Sox, Rustin Dodd of The Athletic Kansas City reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith will be brought back early after being pulled from Wednesday's outing, as he lasted just 3.1 innings. Ned Yost stated Smith will be limited to 50 pitches or around three innings. The Royals want to make sure he's doesn't go nearly two weeks without throwing due to the All-Star break.

Smith allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out four over 3.1 innings in Wednesday's loss to the Twins. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was staked out to a three run lead before even taking the hill in the bottom of the first inning, but he eventually gave it all back and ended up recording just 10 outs. The 28-year-old had worked exclusively out of the bullpen prior to Wednesday's outing, so he likely wouldn't have been stretched out much further than the 71 pitches he threw regardless of performance. With a 5.83 ERA and 1.61 WHIP over 41.2 innings, it's not immediately clear if Smith will get another turn through the rotation or return to a bullpen role going forward.

Smith will move from the bullpen into the rotation and start Wednesday's game against the Twins, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith, who has supplied a 5.40 ERA and 39:21 K:BB across 38.1 innings this season, will join the rotation in place of the struggling Jason Hammel. The Rule 5 pick had previously been developed as as starter with the Padres and made seven starts with the big club in 2013 before his development track changed a year later, when he required Tommy John surgery. Smith's results out of the bullpen this season don't seemingly portend success as he heads back to the rotation, though it's worth noting he turned in one of his best outings of the season Friday against the Red Sox while working in long relief of Hammel. He tossed a season-high four scoreless innings out of the bullpen, limiting Boston to two hits and no walks while striking out three.

Smith was selected by the Mets with the sixth pick in the Rule 5 draft Thursday and then dealt to the Royals for cash considerations, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old righty reached the majors with the Padres back in 2013, but then washed out of pro ball after needing Tommy John surgery in 2015. However, he made a triumphant return in 2017, reaching Triple-A, where he logged a 1.65 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 19 strikeouts in 16.1 innings. He has a good shot to contribute out of the Royals' bullpen this season, and perhaps even in the rotation. They will need to keep him on the active roster all season, otherwise he will be exposed to waivers and offered back to the Rays.

Smith (elbow) will open the season on the minor-league DL at Triple-A Durham, the Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith underwent Tommy John surgery in April of 2015, but has yet to return to game action. Consider him out indefinitely.

Smith was outrighted off the 40-man roster Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Forearm and elbow issues have curtailed what could have been a promising career for Smith. He was a casualty of the Rays needing to open spots on the 40-man roster.