Giants Claim Reliever Burch Smith Off Waivers From Brewers
By Michael Luciano
Former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Burch Smith didn't have to wait long to find a new home after Craig Counsell gave up on him, as he's headed to the Bay Area.
Following an unsuccessful stint in Milwaukee, the San Francisco Giants picked up the 29-year-old right-hander off waivers.
The #SFGiants have claimed RHP Burch Smith off waivers from the #Brewers.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) August 12, 2019
The Giants will send him to Triple-A Sacramento. In addition, lefty Conner Menez was optioned to Triple-A, while reliever Ryan Dull was DFA'd.
The Giants claimed right-hander Burch Smith from the Brewers. Ryan Dull was DFA'd. Conner Menez optioned to Triple-A.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) August 12, 2019
Smith made his MLB debut in 2013 with the San Diego Padres, but languished in the minors for four seasons until the Kansas City Royals called him up in 2018.
In 55 career games, including 13 starts, Smith is 2-10 with a 6.87 ERA, including an unsightly 7.82 ERA in seven games with the Brewers this season.
The Giants are hoping that Smith's mid-90s fastball and sharp spike curveball play better in Oracle Park than the launching pad that is Miller Park.
Giants Claim Burch Smith https://t.co/IwUS6to9Se pic.twitter.com/zTtLvrFqjE
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) August 12, 2019
Maybe this will be the Mark Melancon the Giants have been looking for. Unlikely, but we've seen weirder.