Manager Alex Cora feels Smith's stuff has gotten better since the start of the season, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was expected to be a trusted setup man out of the pen, but has a 5.87 ERA through 7.2 innings (10 games). Some of that high ERA is skewed by early results, when Smith gave up two runs each in a pair of outings during the first week of the season. Since then, the right-hander had five scoreless outings before allowing a run Thursday. "You can see it. The slider is a lot better," said Cora. "It's just a matter of putting guys away has been difficult for him throughout the first few weeks, but we do feel that he's turning a corner." Despite the positive words from the manager, Cora's actions suggest he's still not ready to call on Smith in high-leverage situations. In six of his 10 outings, Smith has entered games with the Red Sox within three runs of their opponent.

Smith (0-1) walked the first batter faced and allowed two runs on two hits while striking out one in Thursday's 6-4 loss to the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

The game was in good hands over the first seven innings -- thanks to Chris Sale and Matt Barnes -- but manager Alex Cora's eighth-inning decisions blew up. Smith was brought in to squelch a dumpster fire created by Joe Kelly (three walks), but he was no fireman. Cora never once thought of using closer Craig Kimbrel as the wheels came off, nor was lefty Bobby Poyner considered to face left-handed batter Denard Span, who turned on a Smith fastball for a bases-clearing triple. Cora will not overreact to one game -- both Smith and Kelly should be in the setup mix -- but command his paramount in these situations.

Smith will be used at any spot in the final third of a game, Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Red Sox manager Alex Cora envisions a variety roles for Smith, who had a nice September run for Boston, posting a 1.35 ERA over 6.2 innings. With his trademark slider, Smith is a nice change-of-pace out of a bullpen that features a several four-seam guys. He could work his way into a few save opportunities along the way, if Cora sticks with his plan to use Kimbrel at times outside of traditional closing opportunities.

Smith signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Red Sox on Monday, Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston reports.

EDGE Analysis

It turns out Smith and the Red Sox will avoid arbitration after settling on a one-year deal to bring the reliever back. The 28-year-old righty missed most of the 2017 season while working his way back from Tommy John surgery, though he was able to make his season debut in September and finished the year with a 1.35 ERA and seven strikeouts across 6.2 innings of work. Smith has pitched just 9.1 innings over the past two seasons due to injuries, but if he's able to return to his pre-surgery form, he should easily work his way back into a setup role for the Red Sox in 2018.

Smith struck out both batters faced in Tuesday's 1-0 win over the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

This was noteworthy as it marked the first time we've seen Smith throw on consecutive nights since his return from an elbow injury. When the Red Sox activated him, there were no expectations, but the right-hander hasn't permitted a run in five outings (4.1 innings) and thrown himself into consideration for a postseason roster spot, should the Red Sox qualify.

Smith threw a clean 11th inning to earn his first save of the season Monday against the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

The club cycled through most of its relievers as Doug Fister lasted just two innings before the game went into extra innings, leaving Smith to close things out after they scored a pair of runs in the 11th. He has pitched four scoreless outings since being activated from the disabled list, but he shouldn't be in the mix for saves moving forward.

Smith threw a perfect inning, striking out one in Tuesday's 3-2 extra-inning win over the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was Boston's 10th reliever to enter the 19-inning ordeal, making his first appearance in a major league game since May 14, 2016. The Red Sox aren't relying on him to be an important piece in the bullpen at this time, but he was acquired to be an eighth-inning setup reliever and will be given that opportunity in 2018.

Smith (elbow) was activated from the 60-day disabled list Tuesday, Evan Drellich of CSN New England reports.

EDGE Analysis

His return was delayed by a day after he was struck by a line drive in the leg in his final rehab start over the weekend. Seeing as Smith has only made three appearances for the big club since the start of 2016, the Red Sox are expected to ease him back into action in a lower-leverage role. The hope is that he'll be ready to contribute more substantially in 2018 after building his arm back up in the offseason. Kyle Martin was designated for assignment to clear room for Smith's return.

Smith (elbow) may not be activated from the 60-day disabled list Monday after he was struck by a line drive in the leg during his final rehab outing with Triple-A Pawtucket on Sunday, Christopher Smith of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Since Smith was still able to walk off the field under his power upon departing Sunday, it doesn't sound like he's dealing with a significant setback, but it could nonetheless delay his season debut with the Red Sox. The right-hander, who was limited to just three appearances with the big club in 2016 before requiring Tommy John surgery, isn't expected to be deployed in a high-leverage role once he rejoins Boston after he struggled to regain velocity in his rehab outings. With a full offseason to build his arm back up, the Red Sox believe that Smith can carve out of a more substantial role in the bullpen in 2018.

Smith (elbow) will likely be activated from the 60-day disabled list after the minor-league season ends Sept. 4, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has been sidelined all season while working his way back from Tommy John surgery, and it appears a return is finally in sight. While the Red Sox are contemplating sending Smith to another affiliate after the minor-league season finishes, he'll likely rejoin the big club and ease his way back into action with lower-leverage work. The 27-year-old posted an impressive 2.31 ERA and 92:22 K:BB through 70 innings of work with the Mariners in 2015, his last full season.