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New York Mets: Josh Smoker Is Earning Roster Spot This Spring

By Nick Ziegler

Mar 20, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Josh Smoker (49) throws a pitch during the sixth inning of an MLB spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Josh Smoker (49) throws a pitch during the sixth inning of an MLB spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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As spring training comes to a close, the New York Mets have a veteran that has impressed. Will Josh Smoker make the roster in 2017?

The New York Mets are near the end of spring training, and that means its getting close to time for the regular season. At this point in the spring, teams generally have an idea of who they think will be making their roster.

One of the players that might have earned himself a spot on the Opening Day roster for the Mets is 28-year-old Josh Smoker. As mostly a career minor leaguer, Smoker made his major league debut for the Mets last season. His first stint in the majors didn’t go very well, as he totaled a 4.70 ERA in 15.1 innings.

After getting a taste of the majors last season, Smoker has worked on some things to improve. This spring, the results have been good for Smoker.

"“I’ve really worked on staying closed, which in turn has helped me hide the ball against lefties a little bit,” Smoker said to Mike Puma of the New York Post. “I think it has also helped me improve my slider. That’s really been huge for me as far as lefties making solid contact.”"

This spring, Smoker has totaled a 1.74 ERA in 10 games. In addition to the ERA, left-handed hitters are batting below .100 against him.

"“I said going into camp that I wanted to work on my changeups to righties and my slider to lefties,” Smoker said to Puma. “As of right now, I’m real happy with how I have executed. They both have been a real good pitch for me and wherever I’m at I think those two pitches are going to be real big for me.”"

With a good spring so far, Smoker might have earned himself a spot on the Mets. It is not easy to find a left-handed pitcher that can throw 95-mph, but Smoker is capable of that.

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Having another lefty in the bullpen will also give Terry Collins so more versatility in the bullpen. Even if Smoker doesn’t start in the majors right away, he will be one of the first options for a call-up this season.

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