Both Smith's handedness and bat could give him an upper hand in the backup catcher job battle, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith is battling Michael Perez and Chris Herrmann to slot in behind starting backstop Mike Zunino, and he has a couple of factors that may ultimately tip the scales in his favor. One is the fact Smith is the only right-handed hitter among the trio, and another is that he's coming off a 2019 season with the Angels during which he posted career highs in exit velocity (89.4 mph) and expected batting average (.294). Furthermore, while Smith's average slumped to a serviceable .251 last season, it's worth noting he'd generated much stronger .283 and .292 figures in that category in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The 31-year-old was hitting .263 (5-for-19) with four RBI and five runs across nine Grapefruit League games before spring training was suspended.

Smith has a solid chance of securing the backup catching job this spring, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. "[Kevan's] got Major League reps," said Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash. "He's caught for the White Sox, for the Angels. It's nice to have a guy that has enough under his belt and is confident enough to kind of been there, done that, through other camps."

EDGE Analysis

Mike Zunino appears to have a relatively secure grasp on the top backstop job to open the season, but after seeing Travis d'Arnaud head to Atlanta in free agency this offseason, the Rays are looking for a reliable No. 2 option with some experience. Smith fits the bill on both counts, and he brings the added bonus of a solid bat that's helped lead to a career .272/.318/.381 line across 707 plate appearances. The 31-year-old has competition for the backup role in the form of incumbent Michael Perez and non-roster invitee Chris Herrmann, but Smith may have the inside track if he demonstrates sufficient improvement on the defensive side and masters the team's pitching staff this spring.

Smith signed a minor-league contract with the Rays on Monday as a non-roster invitee, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was non-tendered by the Angels in early December, but he'll settle for a minor-league contract after appearing primarily in the majors over the past two seasons. The 31-year-old hit .251/.318/.393 with five home runs and 20 RBI over 67 games in 2019 as he served as a backup for the Halos. While his past experience could allow him to serve as depth in the majors at some point in 2020, Smith's production will need to rebound if he hopes to have an impact in the big leagues.

Smith was non-tendered by the Angels on Monday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith spent just one season with the Angels, slashing .251/.318/.393 with five homers, 20 RBI and a -0.2 WAR in 2019. He's likely headed for a backup role following his departure from Los Angeles.

Smith is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith will sit out the season finale in what amounts to a routine breather for the day game after a night game. Anthony Bemboom will check in behind the plate while Smith wraps up the 2019 campaign with a .251/.318/.393 slash line across 211 plate appearances.

Smith isn't in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

Smith will head to the bench after picking up a pair of RBI in Thursday's series opener. Anthony Bemboom is set to handle the catching duties and hit ninth.

Smith is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has started five of the past six games behind the dish, going 6-for-21 (.286) with a home run and four RBI. Anthony Bemboom is starting at backstop and hitting ninth in this one.

Smith went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and two RBI in a loss to the Astros on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Smith plated the Angels' first run with a solo blast off Zack Greinke in the third inning and followed with a run-scoring single in the fourth. The three-hit game was the second of the season for Smith -- both of which have come in the past week. After a miserable August in which he hit a paltry .037, Smith has turned things around in September, batting .412 (14-for-34) with three homers and five RBI.

Smith is not starting Tuesday against the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

Smith and Anthony Bemboom have been splitting starts evenly behind the plate recently, each starting five of the last 10 games. Bemboom takes his turn Tuesday.

Smith is not in Saturday's lineup against the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

He is hitting .333 with two home runs in 18 at-bats this month. Anthony Bemboom starts behind the dish and will hit ninth.