Smoker could make a spot start Saturday against the Pirates, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Tommy Milone unavailable to start due to a knee issue, Smoker is one of two candidates being considered to fill the void left in the rotation, the other being righty Rafael Montero. While Smoker has only pitched out of the bullpen for the Mets this season, he started a pair of games at Triple-A Las Vegas before being recalled. He allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out eight over 8.2 innings. A confirmation on the starter for Saturday should come within a couple days.

Smoker was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smoker posted a 1.04 ERA and 0.69 WHIP through 8.2 innings (two starts) with Las Vegas before being recalled to the big club. He'll work out of the bullpen, though he did struggle to a 7.88 ERA and 1.75 WHIP through 16 innings with the Mets earlier in the year, so he probably won't be trusted with too many high-leverage innings. Hansel Robles was sent back to Triple-A to make room on the roster for Smoker.

Smoker was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smoker has struggled mightily as of late, posting a 13.50 ERA and 2.05 WHIP over his last seven appearances, and with Matt Harvey returning from his team-imposed suspension, he'll head back to the minors to work on his stuff. The 28-year-old reliever did get his ERA down to 2.45 earlier in the season, so if he finds success with the 51's, it wouldn't be too surprising to see him return to the majors relatively soon.

Smoker threw three shutout innings of relief in Thursday's extra-inning win over the Marlins, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out five.

EDGE Analysis

Entering the game in the 12th inning, Smoker breezed through his three frames, throwing 26 of 38 pitches for strikes as part of a heroic effort by the entire Mets' bullpen. The 28-year-old has had a rough start to the campaign, walking at least one batter in four straight appearances, but Thursday's outing lowered his ERA to 3.38 over 5.1 innings and may have signaled that the lefty with the 95 mph fastball has turned a corner.

Smoker coughed up two runs on three hits and two walks while recording just one out in Friday's loss to the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

The out did come via strikeout, but otherwise this was a brutal night for Smoker. The 28-year-old lefty has seen limited usage so far despite the strain the Mets bullpen has been under, and despite his mid-90s fastball he'll need to become more reliable when his number does get called if he's going to carry much fantasy value.

Smoker allowed one hit and struck out one in a scoreless sixth inning during Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

The left-hander has done nothing to hurt his chances of winning a bullpen spot this spring, reeling off a 0.96 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 9:5 K:BB in 9.1 innings. Smoker's control has occasionally been an issue before -- he posted a 4.7 BB/9 for Double-A Binghamton in 2015 -- but his ability to miss bats could still make him a useful arm in fantasy formats that reward relievers with a plus K/9.

Smoker will compete for a spot in the Mets' bullpen this spring.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old, a first round pick of the Nationals way back in 2007, has had a long journey to the majors, but after posting a 25:4 K:BB in 15.1 innings with the Mets last year, he seems to have finally proven himself. The team has been looking for a veteran lefty this offseason but hasn't yet brought in anyone, leaving Smoker at the top of a depth chart that also includes Sean Gilmartin and Josh Edgin. Even if the Mets do sign a more established left-handed relief arm, though, Smoker seems likely to break camp on the 25-man roster, even if it's in a lower-leverage role.

Smoker notched his second hold of the season Saturday, recording two key outs against lefties in the seventh inning of the Mets' 3-1 over the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Smoker relieved Jim Henderson with a runner on first and one out. He retired Daniel Murphy on a line drive to center field caught by a sliding Michael Conforto and struck out Bryce Harper on a nasty slider. Smoker will continue to be used mainly against lefty hitters anywhere from the sixth to eighth innings.

Smoker was recalled Tuesday to serve as the 26th man for Tuesday's doubleheader with St. Louis.

EDGE Analysis

The Mets will take advantage of the "26th Man Rule" by adding Smoker to their roster for a doubleheader matchup. The 27-year-old has logged a 4.73 ERA and 1.60 WHIP over 45.2 innings with Triple-A Las Vegas, where he's spent all of the 2016 season. He'll serve as bullpen depth for both games and could get optioned shortly after.