Smith on 2nd start: 'I feel like I proved myself'
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Whether Caleb Smith returns to a permanent spot in the D-backs’ rotation is unknown.
As to whether he feels like he has regained his rotation spot, Smith believes so, even though his Tuesday start wasn’t exactly what he was hoping for.
“It still wasn't up to my standards, but I feel like I proved myself,” Smith said.
Smith made his first start since April 3 on Tuesday and gave up two runs in five innings in a 6-5 win over the Mets. The start was Smith’s first since he was moved to the bullpen following a three-inning, four-run outing against the Padres during Opening Weekend.
He said the differences that he and the D-backs’ coaching staff worked on haven’t been related to his pitch arsenal, but more focused on his mechanics and commanding the zone.
“They just told me to attack the strike zone more,” Smith said. “[It] wasn't anything in my pitch development or anything like that. They just wanted me to be able to repeat my delivery more and attack the hitters, and that's all it really all boiled down to.”
The goal for the left-hander is to permanently regain his rotation spot after being used out of the bullpen for 18 of his 20 appearances in 2021. In 30 innings of relief work, Smith has been very effective, posting a 2.70 ERA with a .214 opposing batting average.
He said the start on Tuesday was a step forward in earning his way back to the role in which he started the season.
“I was excited about it,” Smith said. “That's what I've been working towards ever since I got taken out of the rotation. Whenever they told me that I was getting the start, I knew it was my opportunity to go out there and show them what I can do and try to earn that spot back in [the] rotation.”
Smith said the D-backs have yet to let him know if he will be making another start.
“I'm not sure,” said Smith about if he will get another starting opportunity. “They haven't told me if I'm going to get another start, so it's not up to me, it's up to them. So, all I can do is take the ball whenever they give it to me and go out there and throw it until they tell me to stop throwing.”