Wright State Baseball Alumn Makes MLB Playoff Debut

INDIANAPOLIS--Former Wright State relief pitcher Joe Smith will make his Major League Baseball Postseason debut tonight at 8:07 p.m. ET for the Cleveland Indians.

The 29-year-old from Cincinnati, Ohio went 6-2 with a 2.29 ERA during the 2013 regular season.

Known for his unorthodox release point, Smith is in his sixth season in the Major Leagues. Drafted by the New York Mets in the third-round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, Smith made his Major League debut on April, 1 2007.

The Mets later dealt the relief pitcher to the Cleveland Indians in a twelve-player, three-team deal on December 10, 2008. Since joining the Indians, Smith has become a valuable asset out of the bullpen, pitching in 303 games with a 2.56 ERA.

Smith played for Wright State during the 2004-06 seasons and was the Raiders closer during his final two seasons.

During his senior season, the reliever had 13 saves coupled with a 0.98 ERA. For his efforts, Smith was named the Horizon League Pitcher of the Year and was also selected to the Second Team All-Mideast Region team.

For his Raider career, the righty registered 22 saves, had a 1.53 ERA, and registered 145 strikeouts. His 0.98 ERA in 2006 is a single-season school record while his career ERA of 1.53 is the team’s all-time school record.

Smith will be a free-agent once the season is complete.

Career Breakdown