Houston Astros relief pitcher Joe Smith (elbow) started a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday night. Barring a setback, Smith could certainly rejoin the club before the All-Star break. The right-handed reliever wasn't very good before going on the injured list, sporting a 6.23 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and 15/4 K/BB in 17 1/3 innings over 22 relief appearances. However, he has been a solid setup man in the past as a journeyman reliever and could become a solid bullpen piece ...