Marlins get lefty reliever off waivers from Indians

SAN FRANCISCO – Hoping for a high payoff from a low-risk move, the Marlins claimed left-hander Josh Smith off waivers Saturday from the Indians.

Smith, 29, has demonstrated a knack for collecting strikeouts. He struck out 74 batters in 52 2/3 innings while posting an 8-1 record with a 2.73 ERA in 41 appearances this year for Cleveland’s Triple-A affiliate in Columbus, Ohio. With Cleveland, Smith compiled a 5.40 ERA in eight appearances to go with 12 strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings.

“We’re trying to get better any way we can, even if it’s in small increments,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said.

Smith is expected to join the club Monday at Arizona. To clear 40-man roster room for him, the Marlins moved utility man JT Riddle to the 60-day injured list.

Injury update

Outfielder Garrett Cooper (bruised left knee) remained on day-to-day playing status. Mattingly indicated that Cooper’s injury was not a cause for concern.

“It doesn’t seem like there’s going to be a need at this point for any further testing,” Mattingly said.