OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland A’s acquired right-handed pitcher Chad Smith from the Colorado Rockies for minor league right-handed pitcher Jeff Criswell, the club announced today.

Smith made his Major League debut with the Rockies in 2022 and was 0-1 with a 7.50 ERA and .791 opponents OPS in 15 relief appearances over six stints.  He struck out 23 batters in 18.0 innings but also walked 15.  The 27-year-old right-hander spent the balance of the season at Triple-A Albuquerque where he was 1-2 with 12 saves, a 3.09 ERA and .671 opponents OPS in 32 relief appearances.  Smith was originally selected by Miami in the 11th round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft and was dealt to Colorado on Aug. 14, 2020 for pitcher Jesus Tinoco.  He is 15-12 with 40 saves and a 4.01 ERA in 184 career relief appearances over six seasons in the minors.  Smith has struck out 243 in 217.2 innings and walked 102 while surrendering just 18 home runs.

Criswell pitched for three different teams in the A’s farm system and combined for a 4-10 record, a 4.03 ERA and .724 opponents OPS in 24 games, including 21 starts, with High-A Lansing, Double-A Midland and Triple-A Las Vegas.  He struck out 119 in 118.1 innings and walked 45.  The 23-year-old right-hander was the A’s second round selection in the 2020 draft out of the University of Michigan and is 4-10 with a 4.07 ERA in 29 career appearances, including 26 starts, in two seasons as a professional.