Slated to take over the role as the Giants’ primary left-handed setup man in 2017, Will Smith suffered a setback on Wednesday.
Smith will miss the Giants’ spring training opener on Friday, and has been shut down for at least a week with left-elbow inflammation, manager Bruce Bochy told reporters in Scottsdale, AZ. Smith had an MRI on the sore elbow that ruled out any structural damage. Smith reportedly had not pitched during batting practice the previous two days
Assuming Smith is able to return in a week, Bochy has mapped out six appearances for the key reliever ahead of opening day on April 2. Should things not go according to plan, however, Bochy will likely have to choose between Josh Osich, Steven Okert or Matt Reynolds as the top lefty out of the pen to start the season. Youngster Ty Blach could also pitch in relief if Matt Cain wins the fifth spot in the rotation as expected.
The Giants traded for Smith, 27, last August, sending prospects Phil Bickford and catcher Andrew Susac to the Brewers in exchange. Smith was 1-1 with a 2.95 ERA in 26 games after arriving, improving upon his Milwaukee numbers (3.68 ERA) from earlier in the season.
Former Giants reliever Sergio Romo was known to experience inflammation in his right-elbow nearly every spring training, and would often be given time off to be ready for the start of the season. The Giants will no doubt hope Smith is a similar case.