Devin Smeltzer

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Devin Smeltzer

|image = Devin Smeltzer (52271388725) (cropped).jpg

|caption = Smeltzer with the St. Paul Saints in 2022

|team = Dorados de Chihuahua

|number = 49

|position = Pitcher

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|9|7}}

|birth_place = Voorhees, New Jersey, U.S.

|bats = Right

|throws = Left

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = May 28

|debutyear = 2019

|debutteam = Minnesota Twins

|statleague = MLB

|statyear = 2023 season

|stat1label = Win–loss record

|stat1value = 9–5

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 4.32

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 112

|teams =

Minnesota Twins ({{mlby|2019}}–{{mlby|2022}})
Miami Marlins ({{mlby|2023}})

}}

Devin Paul Smeltzer (born September 7, 1995) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Dorados de Chihuahua of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins and Miami Marlins.

Amateur career

Smeltzer attended Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey, and played for the school's baseball team. The San Diego Padres selected him in the 33rd round of the 2014 MLB draft, but he chose to enroll at Florida Gulf Coast University to play college baseball for the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles rather than sign with the Padres.{{Cite web |title=Cancer fight gives FGCU pitcher a greater purpose |url=http://www.news-press.com/story/sports/college/fgcu/2015/02/11/fgcu-baseball-freshman-devin-smeltzer-pitcher-purpose/23258637/ |access-date=May 1, 2017 |publisher=News-press.com}} He pitched to a 1–4 win–loss record and a 6.19 earned run average (ERA) for the Eagles.

In the summer of 2015, he played collegiate summer baseball for the Hyannis Harbor Hawks of the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he and Ian Hamilton were named the co-most valuable players of the league's all-star game,{{Cite web |title=Standout night for West co-MVPs Smeltzer, Hamilton |url=http://www.capecodbaseball.org/news/season/index.html?article_id=2134 |access-date=September 25, 2019 |publisher=capecodbaseball.org}} and threw a nine-inning no-hitter in which he missed a perfect game by a single walk.{{Cite web |date=June 23, 2015 |title=BASEBALL: Smeltzer throws no-hitter in Cape Cod game |url=http://www.courierpostonline.com/story/sports/2015/06/23/baseball-smeltzer-throws-hitter-cape-cod-game/29161101/ |access-date=May 1, 2017 |publisher=Courierpostonline.com}}{{cite web|url=https://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=743620&seasonid=29031 |title=#14 Devin Smeltzer |publisher=pointstreak.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021}}

After one year with the Eagles, Smeltzer transferred to San Jacinto College, so that he would become eligible in the 2016 MLB draft.{{Cite web |title=College baseball: Pitcher Devin Smeltzer leaving FGCU for junior college |url=http://archive.naplesnews.com/sports/college/fgcu/college-baseball-pitcher-devin-smeltzer-leaving-fgcu-for-junior-college-ep-1220991221-337459611.html |access-date=May 1, 2017 |publisher=Archive.naplesnews.com}} Smeltzer had a 9–3 record and a 1.18 ERA with 128 strikeouts in {{frac|91|2|3}} innings pitched for San Jacinto's baseball team. He committed to transfer to Texas Tech University on a baseball scholarship after his sophomore year.{{Cite web |date=June 9, 2016 |title=Former Eustace baseball star Devin Smeltzer hopes to be drafted this weekend |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/high_school/20160609_Former_Bishop_Eustace_baseball_star_Devin_Smeltzer_hopes_to_be_drafted_this_weekend.html |access-date=May 1, 2017 |publisher=Philly.com}}

Professional career

=Los Angeles Dodgers=

The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Smeltzer in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB draft. He signed with the Dodgers rather than transferring to Texas Tech, and received a $500,000 signing bonus.{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Marcus |date=October 16, 2016 |title=After a year of 'hell,' South Jersey star thankful to be part of the Dodgers |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/marcus_hayes/20161016_Eustace_star__now_in_Dodgers_organization__baats_greatest_foe_-_cancer.html |access-date=May 1, 2017 |publisher=Philly.com}} He played for the Arizona Dodgers of the Rookie-level Arizona League after signing and went 0–2 with a 7.59 ERA in 10.2 relief innings pitched. He began the 2017 season with the Great Lakes Loons of the Single–A Midwest League.{{Cite web |title=Dodgers prospect Devin Smeltzer continues shutout streak for Loons |date=April 26, 2017 |url=http://www.mlive.com/loons/index.ssf/2017/04/dodgers_prospect_devin_smeltze_1.html |access-date=May 1, 2017 |publisher=MLive.com}} In 2017, he made ten starts for Great Lakes and 15 (plus one relief appearance) for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the High–A California League. He was 7–7 with a 4.17 ERA between the two teams. Smeltzer began the 2018 season with the Tulsa Drillers of the Double–A Texas League.{{Cite web |title=Devin Smeltzer Minor League Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=smeltz000dev |website=Baseball Reference}}

=Minnesota Twins=

On July 31, 2018, the Dodgers traded Smeltzer to the Minnesota Twins, along with Logan Forsythe and Luke Raley, for Brian Dozier.{{Cite news |last=Walton |first=Ryan |date=July 31, 2018 |title=Dodgers acquire Brian Dozier from Twins for Logan Forsythe, two minor leaguers |url=https://www.truebluela.com/2018/7/31/17636428/dodgers-acquire-brian-dozier-twins-logan-forsythe-two-minor-leaguers |access-date=July 31, 2018 |newspaper=True Blue la}} He was assigned to the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Double-A Southern League and finished the season there. In 33 games (14 starts) between Tulsa and Chattanooga, he was 5–5 with a 4.52 ERA.{{Cite web |title=Devin Smeltzer Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball |url=http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=656970#/career/R/pitching/2018/ALL |access-date=October 16, 2018 |publisher=MiLB.com}} He opened the 2019 season with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos of the Southern League, going 3–1 with a 0.60 ERA in 30 innings.{{Cite web |last=RotoWire Staff |date=May 4, 2019 |title=Twins' Devin Smeltzer: Strong Triple-A debut |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/twins-devin-smeltzer-strong-triple-a-debut/ |access-date=May 16, 2019 |website=CBS Sports}} He was promoted to the Rochester Red Wings of the Triple-A International League on May 2.

The Twins promoted Smeltzer to the major leagues on May 28, 2019. He made his major league debut the same night, allowing three hits and no runs, while striking out seven in six innings.{{Cite web|url=https://www.twincities.com/2019/05/28/twins-place-michael-pineda-on-il-call-up-devin-smeltzer/|title = Twins place Michael Pineda on IL, call up Devin Smeltzer|date = May 28, 2019}} Smeltzer finished the season with a 3.86 ERA, striking out 18.8% of the batters he faced.{{Cite web|url=https://twinsdaily.com/blogs/entry/11763-what-to-do-with-devin-smeltzer/|title=What To Do With Devin Smeltzer|website=Twins Daily|date=January 6, 2020 }} In 2020, Smeltzer recorded a 2–0 record and 6.75 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 16 innings pitched.{{Cite web|url=http://twinsdaily.com/_/minnesota-twins-news/minnesota-twins/what-does-the-future-hold-for-devin-smeltzer-r10543|title = What Does the Future Hold for Devin Smeltzer?}}

On July 17, 2021, Smeltzer was placed on the 60-day injured list with left elbow inflammation.{{Cite web |title=Twins Place Derek Law On 10-Day Injured List, Move Randy Dobnak To 60-Day Injured List |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/07/twins-place-derek-law-on-10-day-injured-list-move-randy-dobnak-to-60-day-injured-list.html |website=mlbtraderumors.com |date=July 17, 2021 |language=en}} Smeltzer made one appearance for the Twins in 2021 and was outrighted off of the 40-man roster on November 19, 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/twins-devin-smeltzer-outrighted-to-triple-a/|title = Twins' Devin Smeltzer: Outrighted to Triple-A| date=November 19, 2021 }}

The Twins promoted Smeltzer back to the major leagues on May 14, 2022.{{cite web | url=https://www.startribune.com/alex-kirilloff-sent-back-to-minors-after-five-games-with-twins/600173365/ | title=Alex Kirilloff sent back to minors after five games with Twins | website=Star Tribune | date=May 14, 2022 }} He made 15 appearances for the Twins, including 12 games started, and pitched to a 3.71 ERA in {{frac|70|1|3}} innings. In October, Smeltzer was sent outright to Triple-A and chose to elect free agency on October 11.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/devin-smeltzer-campaigning-for-marlins-2023-opening-day-roster|title=With 'breath of fresh air,' Smeltzer vying for roster spot|first=CJ|last=Haddad|website=MLB.com|date=March 5, 2023|accessdate=April 9, 2023}}

=Miami Marlins=

On January 24, 2023, Smeltzer signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins organization.{{Cite web|title=Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: Lands with Marlins|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-devin-smeltzer-lands-with-marlins/amp/|access-date=2023-01-24|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} On April 9, Smeltzer’s contract was selected to the active roster.{{Cite web|title=Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: Contract selected from Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-devin-smeltzer-contract-selected-from-triple-a/|access-date=2023-04-09|website=cbssports.com|date=April 9, 2023 |language=en}} Smeltzer made 5 appearances (1 start) for Miami, posting a 6.75 ERA with 8 strikeouts in 12.0 innings pitched. He was designated for assignment by the Marlins on April 28, following the promotion of Johan Quezada.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/04/marlins-dfa-devin-smeltzer.html | title=Marlins Designate Devin Smeltzer for Assignment | date=April 28, 2023 }} He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on May 2.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-05-02 | title=Transactions }}

On May 3, Smeltzer was selected back to the Marlins' roster after Quezada was designated for assignment.{{cite web|title=Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: Back with big club|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-devin-smeltzer-back-with-big-club/|access-date=2023-05-03|website=cbssports.com|date=May 3, 2023 |language=en}} He tossed 3.2 innings that day against the Atlanta Braves, surrendering 3 runs on 3 hits with 2 strikeouts. The following day, he was designated for assignment after Chi Chi Gonzalez had his contract selected.{{Cite web|title=Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: Designated for assignment|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-devin-smeltzer-designated-for-assignment-871787/|access-date=2023-05-04|website=cbssports.com|date=May 4, 2023 |language=en}} Smeltzer again cleared waivers and was outrighted to Jacksonville on May 6.{{Cite web|title=Devin Smeltzer Stats, Fantasy & News|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/devin-smeltzer-656970|access-date=2023-05-07|website=mlb.com|language=en}} On August 3, Smeltzer was again added to the major league roster.{{Cite web|title=Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: Selected to MLB bullpen|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-devin-smeltzer-selected-to-mlb-bullpen/amp/|access-date=August 3, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} After two scoreless appearances for Miami, he was designated for assignment on August 5.{{Cite web|title=Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: DFA'd by Miami|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-devin-smeltzer-dfad-by-miami/amp/|access-date=August 5, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} On August 8, he cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple–A.{{Cite web|title=Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: Remains in organization|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-devin-smeltzer-remains-in-organization/amp/|access-date=August 8, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}

On September 1, Smeltzer tossed the first no-hitter in Jumbo Shrimp history, logging 4 strikeouts in 7.0 innings against the Charlotte Knights.{{Cite web|title=No-Hitter Earns Smeltzer IL Pitcher of the Week Honors|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/no-hitter-earns-smeltzer-il-pitcher-of-the-week-honors/n-6010251|access-date=September 12, 2023|website=oursportscentral.com|date=September 4, 2023 |language=en}} On September 6, Smeltzer was once more selected back to Miami's major league roster.{{Cite web|title=Marlins Place Sandy Alcantara, Jorge Soler On IL|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/09/marlins-to-place-sandy-alcantara-on-il-with-flexor-strain.html|access-date=September 6, 2023|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=September 6, 2023 |language=en}} After tossing {{fraction|3|2|3}} relief innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers the previous day, Smeltzer was designated for assignment for a fourth time on September 8.{{Cite web|title=Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: Loses 40-man roster spot|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-devin-smeltzer-loses-40-man-roster-spot/amp/|access-date=September 8, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Jacksonville on September 11.{{Cite web|title=Marlins' Devin Smeltzer: Remains in organization|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-devin-smeltzer-remains-in-organization-898741/amp/|access-date=September 11, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} Smeltzer elected free agency on October 15.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-10-15 | title=Transactions }}

On December 7, 2023, Smeltzer re-signed with the Marlins on a minor league contract.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/12/marlins-re-sign-devin-smeltzer-to-minor-league-deal.html | title=Marlins Re-Sign Devin Smeltzer to Minor League Deal | date=December 7, 2023 }} In 24 relief outings for Triple–A Jacksonville, he compiled a 3.69 ERA with 32 strikeouts and one save across {{fraction|31|2|3}} innings pitched. On July 10, 2024, Smeltzer was released by the Marlins organization.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-07-10 | title=Transactions }}

=Dorados de Chihuahua=

On November 19, 2024, Smeltzer signed with the Dorados de Chihuahua of the Mexican League.{{Cite web|title=LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 19 de noviembre de 2024|url=https://www.milb.com/mexican/news/lmb-movimientos-en-listas-de-reserva-19-de-noviembre-de-2024|access-date=November 20, 2024|website=milb.com|language=en}}

Personal life

At the age of nine, Smeltzer was diagnosed with pelvic rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of cancer.{{Cite web |date=June 23, 2016 |title=LA Dodgers draft pick Devin Smeltzer overcame pediatric cancer |url=http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160611/la-dodgers-draft-pick-devin-smeltzer-overcame-pediatric-cancer |access-date=May 1, 2017 |publisher=Dailynews.com}} A tumor had grown against his bladder that was connected to his prostate. He was treated with surgery and chemotherapy at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia.{{Cite web |last=Ben Rohrbach |date=February 11, 2014 |title=Southpaw Devin Smeltzer beats cancer to become one of nation's top pitching prospects |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/highschool-prep-rally/southpaw-devin-smeltzer-beats-cancer-to-become-one-of-nation-s-top-pitching-prospects-151055825.html |access-date=May 1, 2017 |publisher=Sports.yahoo.com}}{{Cite web |date=May 22, 2013 |title=Devin Smeltzer Overcame Cancer To Become A Star « CBS Philly |url=http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2013/05/22/devin-smeltzer-overcame-cancer-to-become-a-star/ |access-date=May 1, 2017 |website=CBS - Philadelphia}} The cancer went into full remission in 2012.

In 2006 while battling cancer, Smeltzer was invited to Citizens Bank Park to meet Phillies players Chase Utley and Cole Hamels.{{Cite web |title=Full video of Chase Utley meeting cancer survivor turned teammate |date=March 31, 2018 |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/the700level/full-video-chase-utley-meeting-cancer-survivor-turned-teammate |access-date=April 11, 2023|publisher=NBC Sports Philadelphia}} In 2018, Utley was on the Dodgers and Smeltzer, was a member of the Dodgers organization. During spring training, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told the story to the Dodgers clubhouse and reintroduced the two. After hearing the story, Smeltzer's teammates gave him a round of applause.