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Duran is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mariners.
Duran had started in seven of the Rangers' previous eight games, but he'll hit the bench Sunday for the second time in the series. Despite a slow start to the season, Josh Smith still appears to be viewed as the Rangers' top option at second base, though Duran will likely spell him against most left-handed pitching and should also continue to see semi-regular opportunities versus righties due to his ability to play all over the infield as well as both corner-outfield spots. Duran has been productive when called upon this season, slashing .289/.347/.422 with one home run and three stolen bases over 49 plate appearances.
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Rangers' Ezequiel Duran: Remains productive in loss
Rotowire
Duran started at second base and went 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI in Saturday's 7-3 loss to the Mariners.
Duran notched a run-scoring double in the ninth inning, as the Rangers mounted a comeback that eventually lost steam. He might have made the start against Seattle's George Kirby because he has a better track record against the right-hander than the Rangers' primary second baseman, the lefty-hitting Josh Smith. The start may also be a sign that Smith's season-opening slump (.177 average, 20 games) has left his starting spot vulnerable. Duran, who has played multiple positions, is slashing .289/.347/.422 over 17 games played.
After signing with the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korea Baseball Organization this winter, Smith made only two starts overseas before getting released by the club. He then returned stateside and quickly linked up with Miami on a minor-league deal; he'd previously made 16 appearances (one start) for the Marlins in 2020. During his three-month stint at Triple-A Jacksonville, Smith posted a 2.76 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 32.2 innings, but those numbers apparently weren't good enough for him to earn a promotion to the big leagues. He'll presumably look to land a minor-league deal with another organization.
Smith has signed a one-year, $500,000 contract with the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO), Dan Kurtz of MyKBO.net reports.
Smith has posted a career 5.60 ERA while logging 184.2 major-league innings since 2015. The right-hander, who most recently hurled 26.1 frames for the Marlins in 2020, will now head overseas to pitch for Kiwoom.
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Marlins' Josh A. Smith: Outrighted to Triple-A
Rotowire
Smith (finger) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and outrighted to Triple-A New Orleans on Thursday.
Smith missed the final few days of the regular season due to a fractured nail, and he's now expected to test free agency following his removal from the 40-man roster. The 33-year-old made 16 appearances (one start) during his first season with the Marlins in 2020, posting a 6.84 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over 26.1 innings.
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Marlins' Josh A. Smith: Implodes in fourth inning
Rotowire
Smith (1-1) allowed five runs on five hits (one home run) while striking out one through an inning of work Wednesday as he was handed the loss against the Braves.
Smith entered the game to begin the fourth in relief of Sixto Sanchez. The 33-year-old retired two of the first three batters he faced before allowing three straight singles which resulted in two runs for the Braves to put them up 6-4. It did not end there as Smith would serve up a three-run blast to Dansby Swanson to cap off a five-run inning. The right-hander has had a rough season as he owns a 6.84 ERA and 18:11 K:BB with 33 hits allowed in 26.1 innings of work.
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Marlins' Josh A. Smith: Placed on injured list
Rotowire
Smith was placed on the 10-day injured list with a fractured nail Thursday.
Smith struggled mightily in Wednesday's outing, and his injury could have contributed to his lack of results. The right-hander will be sidelined at least 10 days as a result. He'd be eligible to return if the Marlins advance to the National League Division Series. Smith posted a 6.84 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over 26.1 innings spanning 16 appearances (one start) during the regular season.
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