Though left-hander Will Smith, who the Brewers acquired from the Royals in exchange for outfielder Norhichika Aoki Thursday, appeared to break through as a reliever last year, posting a 2.45 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 11.7 strikeouts per nine innings over 18 appearances after successfully transitioning in the minors, the Brewers are open to using him in the starting rotation, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
"I told him to come to camp as a starter and then we'll see," said general manager Doug Melvin. "He has pitched some good games in relief with a lights-out breaking ball. We'll take a look at him and see where he fits best."
Smith has a 5.48 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 6.1 strikeouts per nine innings in 17 career starts. The Brewers already have Tyler Thornburg, Jimmy Nelson, Johnny Hellweg and Hiram Burgos to compete for their final rotation spot.