Smith was called up Wednesday from Triple-A Nashville.

EDGE Analysis

Smith comes up as a corresponding move to Sean Doolittle (shoulder) being placed on the disabled list and Cesar Valdez being designated for assignment. The 29-year-old was 2-0 with Nashville, allowing five earned runs with 21 strikeouts and three walks over 13.2 innings in nine relief appearances.

Smith was outrighted to Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

A spot on the 40-man was needed to protect a prospect from the Rule 5 draft, and Smith was the roster casualty. Smith was brought in from Cincinnati on a waiver claim earlier this month after posting a 4.68 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in 32 appearances (two starts) in the majors in 2016.

Smith was claimed off waivers by the Athletics on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Smith wasn't overly impressive during his second stint at the big league level, although he did pitch respectably in two starts to close out the season. His peripherals aren't great, but the 29-year-old has a decent chance of making the Opening Day roster either as a starter or as a reliever given the uncertainty of Oakland's pitching staff heading into 2017.

Smith (3-3) gave up two earned runs on three hits and a walk over five-plus innings in Friday's 7-3 loss to the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

The 29-year-old was solid once again against the Cubs, which he'd fired three innings against on Sep. 20. Smith endured an uneven 2016 that neverthless brought about improvement in virtually every statistical category. Most notably, he lowered his ERA from 6.89 to 4.68 and WHIP from 1.93 to 1.39 while firing a career-high 59.2 innings, with all but two of his 32 appearances coming out of the bullpen.

Smith (3-2) pitched three innings, allowing one run on three hits while walking two and striking out three Cubs in Tuesday's loss.

EDGE Analysis

Making his first start of the season, Smith managed to hold MLB's best team in check over three solid innings. He threw 43 of a season-high 66 pitches for strikes, but was on a strict limit that wouldn't afford him the chance to work into the fourth frame. The 29-year-old righty left with just a 1-0 deficit, but the league's worst bullpen quickly turned that into a hole that the Reds ultimately wouldn't overcome. Although the club appears interested in seeing what Smith can do in the rotation, he currently isn't schedule to make another start this season.

Smith will start Tuesday's game against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

When Smith was recalled, his middling numbers out of the Reds bullpen led many to believe that he would remain in the bullpen for the rest of the season, but it seems the Reds want to see what he can do before the season ends. He'll take over the start originally scheduled for Keyvius Sampson on Tuesday, forcing the 29-year-old into action against the 94-win Chicago Cubs.

Smith was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander spent the summer months with the big club, struggling to a 5.19 ERA in 25 appearances after his May 22 recall. Smith will return for the final month and the Reds have not formally closed the door on him starting a game or two, but it seems more likely that Smith will continue to pitch exclusively out of the bullpen.

Smith was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

With Alfredo Simon coming off the DL, Smith's latest stint in the MLB has come to an end. Over 25 games (43.1 innings), Smith posted a 5.19 ERA and 1.45 WHIP. Smith may be used as a starter upon his return to Louisville, as he started eight games at the Triple-A level earlier in the season, building a 3.86 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over said outings.

Smith worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth and pitched a perfect ninth Saturday against the Nats, getting the win after the Reds rallied in the top of the 10th inning.

EDGE Analysis

Aside from one horrific outing Thursday against the Nats, on a day where everything got away from the Reds, Smith has found a niche in the bullpen. Even with their recent reinforcements he has stuck with the team, giving the Reds a semblance of stability that they didn't have earlier this year.

Smith has impressed the Reds coaching staff with his bullpen work and will probably stick around in the majors even after Raisel Iglesias and Michael Lorenzen come off the DL, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith picked up the loss Saturday in extra innings, but pitched 3.1 innings in relief and lowered his ERA to 3.00 in the process. He's not a threat to pick up save chances yet, but rather profiles to be a long reliever. He's throwing nearly 2 mph harder than he did last year with the Reds, and getting to fewer three-ball counts. His job security is still resting on the notion that the Reds want to go with an eight-man bullpen, however.