Smoker will begin the season as part of Pittsburgh's bullpen, The Athletic Pittsburgh reports.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty, who compiled a 3.97 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 11.1 spring innings, is a benefactor of the team's decision to start 2018 with 13 pitchers. While Smoker has a chance to establish himself in a developing bullpen, the leash will likely be short if he struggles. The Mets designated Smoker for assignment in January after he registered a 5.11 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in 56.1 innings.

Smoker is looking to rebuild his career after coming to Pittsburgh in an offseason trade, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

One of four left-handed relievers on the 40-man roster, Smoker compiled a 10.86 K/9 with the Mets in 2017 (in 56.1 innings). He walked 32 batters, however, finishing with a 5.11 ERA and 1.65 WHIP. The 29-year-old has totaled only 191.2 innings since 2012 due to injury and will need to show improved control to contend for a spot in Pittsburgh's bullpen.

Smoker was traded to the Pirates on Wednesday, in exchange for Daniel Zamora and cash considerations.

EDGE Analysis

Smoker was recently designated for assignment by the Mets, and will join a new organization for this upcoming season. In 2017, he appeared in 54 games, accruing a 5.11 ERA and 68:32 K:BB in 56.1 innings of relief. The 29-year-old right-hander may begin the year in Triple-A, but will serve as organization depth in the bullpen moving forward.

Smoker was designated for assignment by the Mets on Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smoker wound up being the casualty to the club's recent re-signing of infielder Jose Reyes. During the 2017 season, the reliever posted a 5.11 ERA and 1.70 WHIP over 56.1 innings. He will serve as organizational depth moving forward as long as he passes through waivers, and could spend some time in a low-leverage role in 2018.

Smoker has earned a 5.43 ERA across 53 innings this season with the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Despite an ugly 7.45 ERA in the first half of the season, Smoker has bounced back with a 3.00 ERA since the All-Star break. After dealing with a nagging elbow injury throughout June and July, the 28-year-old finally appears healthy. He's near the middle of the pack in a struggling bullpen, however he has potential to pitch some key innings in the final games of the season.

The Mets activated Smoker from the 10-day disabled list Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

The left-hander will assume a decent setup role, considering he's punched out 36 in 29 frames. The 7.45 ERA hides Smoker's decent skills that should keep him in at least moderate-leverage situations.

Smoker (elbow) is with the club and should be activated before Thursday's game, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tests recently revealed Smoker is dealing with loose bodies in his elbow, but apparently he's well enough to return to action. The left-hander holds a 7.45 ERA but should be a welcome addition to the bullpen because of his 36 strikeouts in 29 frames.

Smoker is apparently dealing with loose bodies in his elbow rather than a shoulder strain, James Wagner of The New York Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was originally reported that Smoker strained his shoulder after tossing 81 pitches Tuesday, though further testing confirmed that was not the case. The Mets still didn't offer a timetable for his return, though they said he will be treated with anti-inflammatories and rest. Rafael Montero will continue to fill Smoker's spot in the bullpen while he's sidelined.

Smoker was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a left shoulder strain, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This comes on the heels of Smoker throwing a career-high 81 pitches in Tuesday's blowout (for reference, his previous career high was 48 offerings). Nothing has been explicitly said, but it's pretty likely that the high pitch count had something to do with the injury. It's unclear how long this ailment will sideline him, but Rafael Montero will fill his spot in the bullpen until he's back in commission.

Smoker tossed three scoreless innings of relief Tuesday, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out four to get the win in an extra-inning victory over the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

The left-hander with the big fastball had a 2.45 ERA on April 18 but has been a disaster since, getting scored upon in seven of his last 10 appearances heading into Tuesday. With Steven Matz (elbow) and Seth Lugo (elbow) both close to rejoining the Mets staff, bumping Robert Gsellman to the bullpen, Smoker needed a strong performance if he's going to keep his spot in the big leagues.