JUPITER, Fla.—Caleb Smith made a triumphant return to the mound for the Marlins in their 4-1 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. Working in relief of José Ureña, the 27-year-old lefty earned the win with four perfect innings, striking out six batters along the way.
Smith showed promise last season, posting a 4.19 ERA and rotation-leading 10.2 K/9 in 77.1 IP.
Unfortunately for Smith and the Marlins, it all came to an abrupt end in Colorado last June. He had to exit the start early and an MRI revealed a Grade 3 lat strain, ending his season.