Roster News: Joe Smith Sent Down To AAA, Jon Adkins Called Up

Adam Rubin of the Daily News reports that Mets reliever, Joe Smith was sent to Triple-A New Orleans after today’s game. Smith allowed three hits and retired only one batter in todays game. For the season he had a 2-1 record and 3.03 ERA in 46 appearances.

Smith had become very shaky since the All Star break and has seen a ton of inherited runners score when he came into games. It is clear he has the talent, but it was also evident that the rest of the league had caught up to him and that he need to be sent down to refine his skills.

Here is what Joe Smith said recently to Marty Noble of Mets.com.

"Lately, my head’s been getting in the way. I know more about the hitters and about how the game is played [so much quicker than in the Minor Leagues]. But I’m not pitching as well. I need to get back to where I was."

See you in September, Joe. You can be sure that he will be back again this season.

Jon Adkins was one of the pitchers we acquired from San Diego for Royce Ring and Heath Bell. In 39 games for the Zephyrs this season, all relief appearances, Adkins is 1-3 with a 3.83 ERA. He has allowed eight home runs in 49.1 IP.

That’s a pretty high ERA for a AAA pitcher who is being asked to fill a prominent role in a major league bullpen. Keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best!