Devin Smeltzer Takes His Left Arm, Story to South Beach

[Matt Braun]

In signing a minor-league deal with the Marlins last week, Devin Smeltzer left the only franchise he donned a major-league uniform for, the Minnesota Twins. 

Image courtesy of Thomas Shea, USA TODAY Sports

 

Devin Smeltzer operated in the most thankless of MLB roles: a Triple-A swingman. Always relied upon when the inevitable pitcher injury bug struck but never promised a spot with the big club. He was meant to be discarded, called up to soak innings, before heading back to St. Paul with a major-league paycheck in his pocket as a reward for his troubles. MLB playing time is better than slumming it in the minors, but the mental drain involved in bouncing between teams takes a toll. 

It almost never happened. A tumor discovered as a child threatened Smeltzer’s life—not just his playing career. Stricken with a terrible sickness, Smeltzer found solace in baseball, making trips to Citizens Bank Park to watch an elite Phillies team on the rise. Among stars like Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, and Jimmy Rollins, Smeltzer picked out Chase Utley—Philadelphia’s all-around offensive threat, capable of reaching base while slugging at a rate typically unheard of for second baseman—as his favorite player. They met, and an unlikely relationship blossomed.

Now healthy and pitching well, a 20-year-old Smeltzer found himself drafted by the Dodgers—the team that now employed Utley. They met again in Spring Training in 2018.

A mid-season trade brought Smeltzer to the Twins that year. With a better chance to crack a weaker Twins rotation than the stacked Dodgers, Smeltzer debuted in 2019 with an unforgettable start.

The stats could speak for themselves: Smeltzer challenged a playoff-bound Brewers team, one led by reigning MVP Christian Yelich, and dominated. Six innings, seven strikeouts, and no earned runs constituted one of the finest debuts a pitcher can have, but the numbers barely matter; the spectacle of watching Smeltzer—someone who once struggled with cancer at an age intended for carelessness—pitch at the major league level was enough to move every person in the ballpark. Jack Morris could barely speak. 

Smeltzer tossed 49 innings for the 2019 Twins but spent the next two seasons on the outskirts, consistently passed over as Minnesota looked elsewhere for pitching help. 

A bevy of injuries created an opportunity for Smeltzer in 2022. With plentiful openings in the rotation, Smeltzer collected 12 starts, accruing 70 1/3 frames for a team in desperate need of them. He was a godsend. 

But the life of a pitcher on the fringes isn’t a kind one. Fresh out of minor-league options, the Twins saw no need to keep Smeltzer around, jettisoning him to open waters for another team to swipe up. The Marlins did just that.

It could be easy to paint Smeltzer’s career in broad strokes. His fastball wasn’t perfect—he could use a few more ticks—and his breaking ball wasn’t ideal—he had trouble getting lefties out—but doing so would be a disservice. Smeltzer was dutiful, consistent. When Minnesota needed innings, he was there, able to gobble frames while the team shifted around paperwork, searching for long-term solutions to their problems. Objectified for his availability, not his performance, Smeltzer served his role well. 

Not all players are legends; not all Twins are classic. Between the Joe Mauers and Kirby Pucketts—and even the Matt Guerriers—stands an army Devin Smeltzers, players whose contributions may be easy to miss, but are necessary nonetheless. 

Miami’s plans for him are unclear; the team enjoys a ransom of pitching riches—with one fewer arm, as of late—making chances for Smeltzer to crack their rotation difficult. But he’s faced obstacles before. Biding time is a small ask for someone with Smeltzer's fortitude.

 

 

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[Doctor Gast]

Because of the hold out in '22, Smeltzer had a head start. He came out of ST, IMO our best ready SP. The Twins should have taken advantage of him early, but he started out in AAA, It wasn't until he was burning up AAA & a few down MLB SPs that they finally brought him up. He did well until the hitters began to erase Smeltzer's advantage.

Smeltzer was the most stretched out SP & he should have been chosen over rookies Ober & Winder & iffy Paddack. They were injured early because management try to overstretch them in the rotation too soon. If Smeltzer was in the rotation from the start (and kept Ober & Winder as long relief/ spot starter), he'd have handled the workload and Ober & Winder would not have gone on the IL. Plus we could've enjoyed Smeltzer's effective advantage longer.

After Smeltzer lost his advantage, I can understand why Smeltzer was let go. The fish we discarded, was picked up by the school of Marlins. Maybe Smeltzer will learn something new & thrive there. Thank you, Devin for your accomplishments here & wish you well!

[roger]

Oh so close.  Wish him the best in his career with Miami and in life.

[4twinsJA]

Signing with Miami seems odd with the pitching depth Marlins have. Best of luck to Devin, will be rooting for him.

[mikelink45]

Like most Twins fans, I will be delighted if he succeeds, but there is no question that he was expendable for the team.

[Dman]

Loved Smeltzer and he was perfect in a pinch but he isn't ever going to be dominant.  He is an excellent get to stash at AAA but going to the Marlins seems a bit cruel as they are so deep in pitching it is hard to see him getting MLB chances there. Maybe they move him to the pen and hope he can be Thielbar like.  Wishing him the best.

[CWsaysgoTwins1]

I am a huge Twins fan living in North Carolina.  I have journeyed up to Minnesota to watch the Twins play right after Target field was opened.  I try to watch every Twins game each year no matter their record.  Watching Smeltzer pitch against the Brewers and knowing his back ground was something special to see, despite it being on TV.  Right there with Jack Morris.....it brought tears to my eyes and hopeful wishing that he would become a started for our beloved Twins team.  unfortunately that did not happen.  Good luck Smeltzer.  I am rooting for you!!

[Seth Stohs]

Good dude. Great story! Giving back! 

He also gave the Twins some nice innings in his times in the big leagues. He did a nice job in the year of the Opener, often coming in as the bulk guy. He mixed and matched and changed speeds and did whatever he could. 

I wish him well. 

[Nine of twelve]

I don't think there is anyone who doesn't appreciate Smeltzer's story and who doesn't hope he does well. While it was disappointing in some ways that he was let go I would have been more disappointed for the Twins to prioritize keeping him over keeping a younger player with a higher ceiling.

[joemama]

He seems like a great candidate for long relief on an MLB team, allowing a team to stretch out higher upside starters at AAA. If I recall, the Twins last year opened the season with Winder in long relief. In hindsight, maybe it would have been better for him to stretch out at AAA and let Smeltzer be the MLB long relief option. Wish him the best!

[The Mad King]

I look forward to seeing him pitch here in Jacksonville