Christopher Smith: Cut loose by Detroit

The Tigers released Smith (elbow) on Friday.

Smith hasn't pitched in affiliated ball since the 2018 season after requiring Tommy John surgery last March and missing the entire 2019 campaign. The Tigers released him shortly after he underwent the procedure, but Smith re-signed with the organization in February and was expected to serve as a bullpen piece at Triple-A Toledo or Double-A Erie in 2020. Unfortunately for Smith, the cancellation of the minor-league season prompted Detroit to cut ties with him once again, as the 31-year-old is well beyond prospect status and was thus deemed expendable.