Drew Smyly 2021 Player Outlook: A High-Risk, High-Reward Option
4 years agoAtlanta Braves starter Drew Smyly was dominant in seven appearances for San Francisco last season, posting a 3.42 ERA and a monster 37.8% strikeout rate in 2020. It was the first time Smyly finished with an ERA lower than 4.88 since 2015, and after a long, treacherous journey recovering from Tommy John, Smyly looks ready to produce at the big league level again. The southpaw rediscovered his killer curveball in 2020, a pitch that generated a 40.8% chase rate and 22.4% swinging strike rate last season. Opposing batters flailed hopelessly at Smyly's bender, posting just a .184 BA and a 55 wRC+ against the pitch in 2020. Smyly also used his curveball 36.5% of the time, which was a career high by far. As a fragile lefty with a strong curveball and big upside, the best comparison for Smyly seems to be Rich Hill. That could be either a good thing or bad thing depending on how you look at it, but Smyly certainly has the potential and pedigree to be dominant in short bursts. It would be a miracle to see Smyly top 150 innings pitched in a 162-game season, but he's capable of providing an incredible 50-125 innings between IL stints. He's also capable of making two starts and spending the rest of the year on the shelf, or imploding completely and posting an ERA north of five. When considering whether to draft Smyly (ADP ~228) one should consider their risk appetite and willingness to stream replacement starters. There's a spot for Smyly on someone's fantasy team, but that manager must be willing to roll with the punches. The reward may very well be worth it for those who draft Smyly.
Drew Smyly Starting Rehab Assignment Next Week
11 months agoChicago Cubs pitcher Drew Smyly (hip) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment next week with High-A South Bend, per manager Craig Counsell. The 34-year-old journeyman was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 23 with a right hip impingement and is nearing the final step in his recovery process. Smyly has operated exclusively out of the bullpen this season with a hefty 4.97 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 5:11 BB:K ratio. The southpaw started 23 games for the Cubs last season but looks to be stuck in a long relief role this season. When Smyly returns to major league action, he should be left on all waiver wires, but he could be worth streaming in NL-only formats if he were to make spot starts throughout the summer.
Source: Mike McGraw
Source: Mike McGraw
Drew Smyly, Jordan Wicks Throwing Bullpens Tuesday
11 months agoChicago Cubs left-handers Drew Smyly (hip) and Jordan Wicks (forearm) were both scheduled to throw bullpen sessions on Tuesday. Wicks went on the injured list over a week ago with a strained left forearm but is already good to throw off a mound, so it sounds as though his injury isn't very serious. However, the 24-year-old southpaw could need a minor-league rehab assignment before the Cubs feel comfortable returning him to their starting rotation. Smyly, 34, is recovering from a right-hip impingement and has already missed several weeks. Because Smyly is a reliever, he may not need as lengthy of a rehab assignment before rejoining Chicago's bullpen. In a starting role, Wicks is more attractive in fantasy in deeper leagues. He had a 4.70 ERA with a 1.52 WHIP and 28 K's in five starts before his injury.
Source: Watch Marquee - Andy Martinez
Source: Watch Marquee - Andy Martinez
Jordan Wicks, Drew Smyly Playing Catch
11 months agoChicago Cubs left-handers Jordan Wicks (forearm) and Drew Smyly (hip) have been cleared to resume playing catch. Wicks just landed on the 15-day injured list this past Sunday with a left-forearm strain, while Smyly has been out for two weeks due to a right-hip impingement. Wicks' injury is obviously a bit less serious, but it's good news for the Cubs pitching staff that both southpaws are ramping back up. It's unclear when either hurler will be able to return to the big-league roster, but when Wicks is ready, he should return to the rotation. The 24-year-old went 1-2 with a 4.70 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with 28 K's in 23 innings in his first five starts. Smyly has plenty of starting experience, but he figures to return to the Cubs' bullpen when he's activated.
Source: Watch Marquee - Tony Andracki
Source: Watch Marquee - Tony Andracki
Kyle Hendricks, Drew Smyly Placed On Injured List
11 months agoThe Chicago Cubs placed pitchers Kyle Hendricks (back) and Drew Smyly (hip) on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday and recalled infielder Matt Mervis, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and left-hander Luke Little from Triple-A Iowa in corresponding moves. The 34-year-old Hendricks has been downright bad so far in 2024, posting a 12.00 ERA in his first five starts, but hopefully his back injury was mostly to blame. If left-hander Justin Steele (hamstring) is able to return from his IL stint before Hendricks does, which is likely, Hendricks could find himself out of a rotation spot when he's ready to return. With Hendricks out, Wesneski is a candidate to fill his rotation spot until Steele is able to return. Little will give the Cubs another left-handed arm out of the bullpen to replace Smyly.
Source: Watch Marquee - Taylor McGregor
Source: Watch Marquee - Taylor McGregor
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