December 12, 2014 at 9:35 PM
Sox acquire Zeke Spruill for Myles Smith in second D-Backs trade
Immediately after announcing the completion of their trade for Wade Miley, the Red Sox announced a second trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, acquiring right-hander Zeke Spruill in exchange for right-hander Myles Smith.
Spruill, who was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the 2008 draft, spent most of last season with the Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate in Reno, making 28 appearances. He posted a 6.04 ERA in 79 innings pitched, working predominantly out of the bullpen.
Spruill also pitched 22 1/3 innings for Arizona last season over three stints in the majors, striking out 14 against nine walks and posting a 3.57 ERA. He has made 12 appearances in the majors since 2013.
Spruill, who was designated for assignment by Arizona on Dec. 8, was one of five players the Braves dealt to the Diamondbacks in January 2013 in exchange for Justin Upton and Chris Johnson.
Smith, a 2013 fourth-round pick out of Lee University, spent the 2014 season with the Low A Greenville Drive, going 5-10 with a 5.82 ERA in just over 103 2/3 innings pitched, striking out 73 and walking 68 while alternating between starting and pitching in a piggyback role. He was named SoxProspects.com Pitcher of the Week for August 19-25, 2013, but struggled for the most part, with scouts noting he regressed as the season went on, according to SoxProspects.com Director of Scouting Ian Cundall.
Smith transferred to Lee from Missouri, where he had been a shortstop, after converting to pitching. After pitching just over 10 innings after signing, he had been working on some mechanical adjustments in 2014, perhaps part of his major struggles with command as the year went on.
Photo Credit: Myles Smith by Kelly O'Connor