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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Smith walked one and struck out five over two scoreless innings of relief in Wednesday's 8-0 loss to Colorado.

EDGE Analysis

Earlier in the day, the Diamondbacks announced Smith was moving out of the rotation and into the bullpen. The move appeared to agree with the left-hander on Wednesday. Smith did not pitch well this spring -- particularly in his final two starts (12 runs in 9.1 innings) -- and manager Torey Lovullo had a quick hook following one disappointing regular-season start. "We just feel like the best thing for this team right now is to put him in the bullpen," Lovullo told Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. "Just give him a chance to work on a couple things. You know, we feel like he's close. He's got great stuff. We're looking for him to be a little more consistent and we feel like this will give him the opportunity to go and work on a couple things." There was no word on which pitcher will replace Smith in the rotation, but judging by the manager's comments, he could eventually reclaim a starting role.

Manager Torey Lovullo announced Wednesday that Smith is moving to the bullpen, Jody Jackson of FOX Sports Arizona reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith struggled in San Diego last weekend, allowing three earned runs on five hits and three walks over three innings, and that was enough for Smith to lose his rotation spot. A replacement in the Diamondbacks' starting rotation has not yet been named. Taylor Clarke could be an option, although Clarke has worked in one-inning stints so far this season. Matt Peacock, who just debuted Tuesday, is another candidate with Zac Gallen (forearm) still on the injured list.

Smith allowed seven runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out five over 3.2 innings against the Cubs on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was touched for two home runs Monday, bringing his spring total to five HRs allowed over 21 innings. Arizona's No. 3 starter allowed five runs or more in three of six spring starts.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo expressed confidence in Smith, who has had a rocky spring, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has been knocked around and dealt with command issues, but apparently Lovullo is unfazed by the left-hander's Cactus League results, all but calling him a lock for the rotation Friday afternoon. About an hour later, Smith pitched well over 4.1 innings against the Brewers. There was some loud contact and bouts of wavering control, but Smith was better than he had been in two of his past three spring outings. He's allowed eight runs on 10 hits and eight walks over 11.2 innings.

Smith allowed one run on one hit and four walks while striking out five over 2.1 innings in Sunday's spring game against San Francisco.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was unable to consistently command his pitches, which led to his second poor outing in three Cactus League appearances. Just 31 of his 58 offerings landed in the zone. The left-hander has allowed seven runs on five hits and seven walks while striking out nine over 7.1 spring innings.

Smith allowed one walk while striking out three over three scoreless innings in Monday's spring game against the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Smith rebounded from a rough first outing in which he permitted six runs on four hits and two walks. "What stood out to me was a quality change-up," manager Torey Lovullo told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. "He kept going back to it. He kept reading swings and had a lot of really productive moments with it." Smith has slotted in between Zac Gallen and Madison Bumgarner this spring, suggesting he'll be the Diamondbacks' No. 2 starter.

Smith allowed six runs on four hits and two walks while striking out one over two innings in Tuesday's spring game against the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

Smith didn't have his best stuff and wasn't able to put batters away when he got to two strikes. The big blow was a second-inning grand slam by San Diego's Fernando Tatis. The defense around him was sloppy, and Arizona's offense was quiet for a third straight game. About the best thing to say is that it was spring training and means nothing at this point.

Smith will start Tuesday's spring game against the Padres, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

This will be the first chance this spring for Smith to try out the curveball he worked on developing during the offseason. The left-hander dealt with COVID-19 last season but was able to get in four September appearances (three starts) for Arizona. He posted a 2.45 ERA with 12 strikeouts and six walks over 11 innings.

Smith worked on his curveball during the offseason, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Because Smith feels his slider is too similar in speed to his fastball, the left-hander wants a slower breaking ball. It was a pitch he introduced last season, but a bout with COVID-19 last summer limited him to just 14 innings. He never got a chance to develop it fully, although he did throw it 20 times and did not give up a hit on it, per Statcast. "The curveball is coming along really well," Smith said. "I picked it up pretty quick, actually. I think it's right where I need it to be. I think it's going to help my repertoire a lot this season." Smith is expected to be part of the Diamondbacks' rotation in 2021.