Indians reliever Joe Smith is eager for game action

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Cleveland Indians reliever Joe Smith is sick and tired of being sick and tired.

“It stinks,” Smith said Monday before a light workout. “You get to camp ready to pitch, and then have to sit around for a week or two because of a virus.”

Smith is expected to make his Cactus League debut Wednesday. He threw batting practice Sunday and displayed a live fastball, one of which tailed in and hit teammate Josh Barfield on the left thigh.

“I knew I was going to nail somebody after not pitching for a few days,” Smith said. “I felt real bad about hitting him and was glad he’s OK. I pitch inside all the time and sometimes one gets away.”

Acquired from the New York Mets in a three-team trade that sent Indians outfielder Franklin Gutierrez to the Seattle Mariners in December, Smith is eager to join his new teammates in action.

Not that he has to prove anything in order to earn a roster spot.

“Joe is a member of our bullpen, period,” manager Eric Wedge said. “He has plenty of time to get ready. He’s got a role on this team.”

Wedge intends to use the 24-year-old in the same manner in which Smith was successful a year ago. In 82 appearances and 63 1‚Ñ3 innings in a setup role, Smith went 6-3 with a 3.55 ERA. He was most dependable down the stretch, going 5-0 with a 1.54 in 12 outings after Aug. 28 as the Mets battled the eventual World Series champion Phillies in the NL East.

“I’m in a good situation,” Smith said. “I left one team battling for the playoffs to go to one that’s a contender, too.”

Smith is the “other” reliever acquired this winter to bolster a bullpen that was the Indians’ weakest link a year ago. All-Star closer Kerry Wood signed a two-year, $20.5 million free agent contract three days after Cleveland obtained Smith.

“Our bullpen should be a lot stronger,” Wedge said.

Smith brings a nasty sidearm delivery that limited right-hand hitters to a .192 (35-for-182) average in 2008.

Now, Smith wants to become just as effective against left-handers.

“It’s good to know that I don’t have to try and win a job,” Smith said. “I can work on things. I’m working on a changeup and breaking pitches to use against lefties.”