A contributing factor might be one proffered during a broadcast by analyst Buck Martinez and colour-commentator Pat Tabler: apparently pitching coach Pete Walker had been asking for such a pitcher to be added to the bullpen to, at the very least, give batters a different look to acclimate to later in ballgames. That kind of belief in your abilities by no-less than the pitching coach has to have had a positive impact on Smith’s pitching.
Taking a look at Smith’s numbers he’s far exceeded club expectations one would think, and can been found all over the back end of wins.