Smeltzer elected free agency Tuesday after clearing outright waivers.

EDGE Analysis

Smeltzer has been with the Twins since being acquired from the Dodgers in the July 2018 deal that sent infielder Brian Dozier to Los Angeles, but he may try his luck with a new organization now that he's on the open market for the first time in his career. The 27-year-old lefty made 15 appearances (12 starts) at the big-league level in 2022, going 5-2 with a 3.71 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 40:19 K:BB in 70.1 innings.

Smeltzer was placed on outright waivers by the Twins on Tuesday, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smeltzer spent the majority of the 2022 season with the Twins, and he maintained a respectable 3.71 ERA and 1.22 WHIP across 70.1 innings. However, his contact-heavy approach resulted in some inconsistent performances, as he allowed six or more earned runs in two of his 12 starts. Smeltzer will now be subjected to waivers and could find a new club relatively quickly.

Smeltzer was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smeltzer was called up by the Twins last week and allowed three hits and two walks while striking out two in 4.2 scoreless innings over two relief appearances with the major-league club. However, he'll head back to St. Paul after Jovani Moran was recalled Monday.

Smeltzer was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul on Wednesday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smeltzer was sent down Monday but will rejoin the Twins two days later after Cole Sands (elbow) was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday. Smeltzer has made 12 of his 13 appearances in the majors this year as a starter, but he'll likely provide length out of the bullpen now that he's back with the big-league club.

Smeltzer was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul following Monday's game against the Rangers, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smeltzer saw just one outing during his latest stint with the big club, allowing one run on five hits while fanning one over three frames Saturday against the Rangers. He was demoted to make room for Tuesday's starter, Aaron Sanchez.

Smeltzer was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

While Tyler Mahle (shoulder inflammation) is going to the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move, Miller reports that Smeltzer is with the big club to pitch out of the bullpen against the lefty-heavy Rangers. Smeltzer has a 4.02 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 37 strikeouts in 62.2 innings across 12 starts in the majors this season.

Smeltzer was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Smeltzer will return to Triple-A after serving as the Twins' fifth starter since late May. The 26-year-old owns a 4.02 ERA and 1.21 WHIP on the season over 12 starts, but over his last three outings he's produced a far less ideal 8.76 ERA and 2.03 WHIP. Smeltzer was moved in order to open a roster spot for Chris Archer (hip), who was activated from the 15-day injured list Sunday. Minnesota won't need a fifth starter again until the first week of August, at which point Smeltzer will likely be called up from St. Paul.

Smeltzer didn't factor into the decision during Friday's 6-2 defeat at the hands of the White Sox, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks with one strikeout in three innings.

EDGE Analysis

Smeltzer permitted both runs on four baserunners in the first inning but was able to prevent Chicago from scoring over the next two frames. Manager Rocco Baldelli opted to remove the 26-year-old subsequently with the top of Chicago's order due up for the third time despite only 67 pitches -- his second lowest total in 12 turns. Smeltzer concludes the first half with a 4.02 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 37 strikeouts in 62.2 innings.

Smeltzer did not factor into the decision Saturday against the Rangers, allowing seven runs on eight hits while striking out two and walking three across 3.1 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Smeltzer had two rough innings Saturday, allowing three runs in the second inning and four runs in the fourth before being pulled. All seven of the runs Smeltzer allowed came on home runs. The lefty threw 50 of 81 pitches for strikes across 3.1 frames. It was arguably his worst outing of the year and ballooned his ERA to 3.92. Smeltzer has given up six home runs over his past two starts.

Smeltzer (4-2) gave up three earned runs on six hits and a walk while striking out three to take the loss in a 3-1 defeat to the Orioles on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Despite technically pitching a quality start, Smeltzer only struck out three Orioles and was done in by three solo shots to take his second loss of the year. His 85 pitches were the least that he had thrown since June 5th. The 26-year-old left-hander depends on precision control since his fastball tops out around 90 mph. The Orioles took advantage of his lack of velocity by pouncing on a couple of 88 mph fastballs for home runs. Smeltzer is expected to take the mound Saturday at Texas.