User:Ryanwoody1

Smalls is a relief pitcher in the Tampa Bay Rays 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.

Retirement

Smalls announced his retirement after he was released by the Red Sox. He said that his passion for the game "existed in the office, not on the field".

Comeback with the Tampa Bay Rays

His time away from the field was short, and on May 3, it was announced he was attempting a comeback. On June 9th, after fielding offers from the Yankees, Rays, Royals, White Sox, Athletics, and Angels, he began to seriously consider a return as long as he could get sufficient playing time, and the White Sox, Angels, Athletics, and Rays became the most attractive options. Smalls agreed to sign with the Tampa Bay Rays for a 1-year deal worth $7 million that included a mutual option for 2015. He signed with the Rays because of their annual contention for a title and the desire to play for Joe Maddon.