User:Ryanwoody1

Smalls is a relief pitcher in the Oakland Athletics organization. He was originally signed following the 2012 season by the Cleveland Indians, before also seeing time with the San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers, and Boston Red Sox.

Cleveland Indians

He was signed by the Cleveland Indians on December 25, 2012. He made the opening day roster despite injury problems that persisted throughout the season. After giving up 9 runs in his first 6 innings, to the tune of 0-3 with a 13.50 ERA, he was released in early May.

San Diego Padres

He was signed by the San Diego Padres just days after his release from Cleveland. He began to see success in his three months with the team, pitching to a 3-0 record, giving up 3 runs over his next 25 innings, for an ERA of 1.08. However, on August 6th, after meeting with GM Joshua Byrnes, he requested a trade after realizing he wouldn't be a Padre long-term.

Detroit Tigers

He was traded to the Tigers on August 9. He didn't have as much success with the Tigers, finishing with an injury-plagued 7 runs over his final 15.1 innings, for a disappointing 4.11 ERA. He became a free agent after the season.

Boston Red Sox

After serious talks with the Blue Jays, Orioles, Phillies, Dodgers, and Yankees, he agreed to a sign-and-trade with the Athletics, and was traded to Red Sox on April 15. On April 17, after he threw 2 innings with just 1 run, 6 strikeouts, 1 hit and 2 walks in his debut. After news leaked that he and the Red Sox were talking about extending his deal, he allegedly called manager John Farrell a "batwhack" and a "hothead", and did not attend the game against the Orioles that night. The next day, he was placed on and cleared waivers, and became a free agent.

Oakland Athletics

After Luke Gregerson blew two saves in three appearances, making 6 of the Athletics' 16 losses his responsibility, he was relieved of the closer role, and the team signed Smalls to a 2-year, $35.7 million deal on May 17th. His one month since being released by Boston was the longest regular-season free agency stint he had seen since joining the league in the 2012-13 offseason. Since the #4 he wore in Boston was taken by Coco Crisp, he switched back to his signature #40.