Smith struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his sixth save of the season in a 4-3 win over the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran reliever continues to get the job done as the Rangers' closer. Smith has converted six of seven save chances through 14 appearances while also adding four holds, and he's only been scored upon in three of those outings. With Jose Leclerc once again having trouble finding the plate and having been shifted to low-leverage work for now, Smith has little competition for his spot on the depth chart.

Smith picked up the save Monday against the Mariners. He struck out the side over a perfect inning.

EDGE Analysis

This was a nice bounce-back outing for Smith after blowing the save against the Angels last Friday. This was the first time this season that the southpaw struck out the side, and he now sports a 3:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio on the year. The 33-year-old journeyman also has a 1.15 WHIP, still making him a solid relief option 11 years into his career.

Texas manager Bruce Bochy said Smith will remain pitching in high-leverage situations following Friday's blown save, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

In Smith's first appearance after anointed as the team's closer -- taking over for Jose Leclerc -- the left-hander was rocked by the Angels in Friday's 5-4 extra-inning loss. Smith retains the confidence of the manager, who's watched the bullpen during a 13-game stretch when it either blew a lead or turned a tied game into a deficit in the seventh inning or later six times. There aren't many dependable arms for Bochy to choose from to close out games, so Smith should be safe.

Smith (0-2) took the extra-inning loss and a blown save Friday versus the Angels. He gave up four runs (three earned) on four hits and a walk over 1.1 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was responsible for all of the Angels' three runs in the ninth inning in his first appearance since being named the full-time closer. Despite that poor showing, he stayed in to face Shohei Ohtani after intentionally walking Mike Trout. Ohtani delivered a fielder's choice, and Josh Sborz reliever Smith, allowing the winning run to score on a wild pitch. While the loss was not fully Smith's fault, it was by far his worst outing of the season. He now has a 3.75 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 12:5 K:BB through 12 innings. He's added four saves and four holds in 12 appearances.

Smith will receive the bulk of the save opportunities for the Rangers moving forward, manager Bruce Bochy told Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Smith collected his team-leading fourth save Tuesday in the Rangers' win over the Diamondbacks. He's recorded each of the club's last three saves to emerge as Bochy's clear lead option. Jose Leclerc entered the season seemingly at the top of the pecking order, and while he has a 0.93 ERA, his velocity has been down and he's walked seven in 9.2 innings.

Smith picked up the save Tuesday against the Diamondbacks. He didn't allow a run on one hit and one walk while striking out one over 1.1 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was asked to get four outs while protecting a two-run lead. He struck out Nick Ahemd to end the eighth, but allowed the tying run to reach in the ninth before closing the door on the Diamondbacks. Smith has a team-high four saves with an excellent 1.69 ERA and 0.94 WHIP.

Smith picked up the save in Friday's 5-2 victory over the Yankees. He didn't allow a run, hit or walk while striking out one over one inning.

EDGE Analysis

Smith needed just eight pitches to retire the side in the ninth inning. The lefty has a team-high three saves on the season, as Smith and Jose Leclerc are splitting closer duties. Both pitchers have been excellent. Leclerc has a 0.93 ERA, while Smith is down to 1.93.

Smith allowed one hit and struck out one to record his second save in Sunday's 5-2 win over Oakland.

EDGE Analysis

With a couple of left-handed batters due up in the ninth inning, Texas manager Bruce Bochy had Smith warming up to close out the game instead of a rested Jose Leclerc. Smith has been reliable in whichever role Bochy wants, so more save chances can be expected. The lefty reliever has allowed two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out 10 over 8.1 innings.

Smith allowed one walk over two-thirds of an inning to earn a hold in Sunday's 9-1 win over Houston.

EDGE Analysis

Smith entered a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the seventh and got former teammate Yordan Alvarez on a weak grounder to quell the threat. It was the fourth hold of the season for Smith, who finished off a good weekend against the club for whom he pitched in 2022 and received his World Series ring. Smith has allowed one run, two hits and three walks while striking out nine over 6.2 innings.

Smith conceded he was surprised to be called for Sunday's save opportunity against Philadelphia, Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith had been warming up in the eighth inning if needed to replace Jonathan Hernandez, who worked a perfect inning, then sat down in preparation for Jose Leclerc to close. Smith said manager Bruce Bochy indicated on Opening Day that Leclerc was going to close for the Rangers to start the season. "So it was honestly kind of a surprise to all of us down there," Smith said. "Then the phone rings, and [bullpen coach] Brett [Hayes] says it's me." Bochy opted for Smith in Texas' first save situation and also talked about the versatility of the bullpen, noting that he could use any of his closer candidates in any inning.