Smith has appeared in three spring games, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out three over three innings.

EDGE Analysis

Smith, who opted out of the 2020 season, returns to a bullpen that had many moving parts in the pandemic-shortened season. The side-arming veteran should add stability and is expected to be part of the setup crew for closer Ryan Pressly. Non-roster invitee Steve Cishek is also expected to pitch in the final third of games.

The Astros placed Smith (personal) on the restricted list Wednesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has yet to report to summer camp while tending to a personal matter, and the 36-year-old is apparently still weighing whether or not he even wants to play in 2020 due to concerns about the health and safety of his family. The Astros' decision to place Smith on the restricted list is merely a means of roster management while the team waits for him to decide on his status for the season.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Sunday that Smith wasn't present due to "concerns about the health and safety of his family," Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear if Smith has specific concerns to be addressed or is simply wary of playing amid the pandemic, though to this point he's made no statement about opting out. The right-hander made 28 appearances out of the Houston bullpen in 2019, logging a 1.80 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 22:5 K:BB in 25 innings, but his status for 2020 is now up in the air.

Smith is expected to serve as a bridge to closer Roberto Osuna in the Astros' bullpen, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. He's allowed two runs on three hits while striking out two over 4.1 spring innings.

EDGE Analysis

An Achilles injury delayed Smith's 2019 season and limited him to 28 appearances over the second half. The side-arming right-hander was dominant once healthy, pitching to a 1.80 ERA over 25 innings, and earned a two-year contract extension. He and Ryan Pressly will set up Osuna.

Smith signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Astros on Monday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

An Achilles injury limited the 35-year-old to just 25 innings last season, but he looked quite good when available. He finished the year with a 1.80 ERA, a 22.9 percent strikeout rate and a 5.2 percent walk rate.

Smith (Achilles) was activated from the 60-day injured list prior to Friday's game against the Rangers, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

He has not pitched in the majors since last year's ALCS due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, but is set to rejoin the 25-man roster. Look for him to pitch in mid-leverage situations.

Smith (Achilles) could be activated from the 60-day injured list over the weekend, Hunter Atkins of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though nothing is set in stone just yet, the Astros will evaluate Smith over the next few days to determine whether he's ready to come off the shelf. The right-hander has been out of commission since undergoing surgery in December of 2018 due to a ruptured left Achilles' tendon.

Smith (Achilles) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This move is simply procedural. The Astros needed to free up a 40-man spot for Cy Sneed, whose contract was selected from the minors on Thursday, and Smith has already spent more than 60 days on the shelf. Smith is currently on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Round Rock but isn't expected to rejoin the Astros until after the All-Star break.

The Astros don't expect Smith (Achilles) to be ready to return from the 60-day injured list until after the All-Star break, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith isn't dealing with any sort of setback in his recovery from Achilles surgery, but the Astros apparently want him to turn in several appearances in the minors after the injury prevented him from building up his arm in spring training. The right-hander began his rehab assignment at Double-A Corpus Christi on a promising note last weekend, striking out the side in his first appearance.

Smith (Achilles) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Corpus Christi on Wednesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith emerged pain-free from a live batting practice session earlier in the week, clearing the way for him to begin a rehab stint. The right-hander has been on the shelf all season after undergoing surgery on his Achilles in December, so he'll likely need to make a handful of rehab appearances before being cleared to return.