Report: Carson Smith Won't Need Tommy John, Will Start Season On DL
BOSTON (CBS) -- When Carson Smith left Monday's Red Sox spring training game with forearm tightness, many feared the worst.
Fortunately for Smith, the reliever appears to have avoided the worst-case scenario. However, he'll still be starting the 2016 season on the disabled list.
Manager John Farrell made the announcement on Tuesday that Smith suffered a strained flexor mass muscle.
There's no timetable for Smith to resume pitching again, but the big news is that he's not destined for season-ending Tommy John surgery.
Smith was acquired by the Red Sox, along with Roenis Elias as part of the Wade Miley trade made back in the December. He figured to be the setup man for new closer Craig Kimbrel, though that role will likely now go to Koji Uehara in Smith's absence.
In 79 career appearances with Seattle, Smith had a 2.07 ERA and a 0.970 WHIP with 13 saves and 22 holds to go with five blown saves.