The LA Angels lost Smith for the 2018 season due to anterior capsule surgery. Smith had the surgery in September, but it was just made public on Friday. The expected timetable for a return 12 to 14 months. However, Smith is optimistic about his return. He is even hoping to make his return early and pitch in 2018, much like Andrew Heaney did following his Tommy John surgery.
This surgery follows a 2017 season to forget for Nate Smith. He only pitched a total of 15 innings across Rookie ball and Triple-A. His season was decimated by constant injuries, which ultimately led to him and the Angels shutting him down.