LHP Caleb Smith to start, make D-backs debut on Friday

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo announced Thursday that left-handed pitcher Caleb Smith will make his debut by starting on Friday against the Seattle Mariners.

Smith will be taking the place of Alex Young in the rotation, meaning that Taylor Clarke will hold his spot alongside Madison Bumgarner, Zac Gallen and Luke Weaver.

The left-hander was acquired from the Miami Marlins in the deal for outfielder Starling Marte at the trade deadline. Smith has only pitched once this season, throwing three innings in a start on July 25 before being one of several players to contract COVID-19. He returned off the 10-day injured list in mid-August.

Smith made 44 starts for the Marlins the past two seasons, including 28 in 2019. He went 10-11 with a 4.52 ERA and gave up a league-high 33 homers.

Young originally entered the rotation in place of the injured Bumgarner, and Clarke took the place of the still injured Merrill Kelly. In 12 total outings (five starts), Young has a 4.59 ERA.

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