Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Burch Smith, Tigers relief pitcher, was named as the opener for Saturday's game against the Royals on May 9, 2026. Coming into the assignment, Smith had posted a 1.59 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 16 strikeouts and 4 walks across 11.1 innings as one of the Tigers' most reliable bullpen options. However, in his opener role on Saturday, Smith was roughed up, allowing 2 earned runs in just 1/3 of an inning, surrendering a leadoff double and an inside-the-park homer to Bobby Witt Jr. in the first inning before being pulled after facing only 4 batters. Despite the poor outing, Smith maintains a 3.09 ERA and 2.53 FIP with a strong 12.34 K/9 rate across 8 appearances and 11.2 innings on the season.
Strengths
- + Strong strikeout rate (12.34 K/9)
- + Low walk rate (4 walks in 11.2 innings)
- + Reliable bullpen performer prior to opener assignment
- + Solid FIP of 2.53 suggesting good underlying performance
- + Contract selected by Tigers, indicating organizational confidence
Weaknesses
- - Poor performance in opener role (2 ER in 1/3 IP)
- - Allowed inside-the-park homer to Bobby Witt Jr.
- - Pulled after facing only 4 batters
- - Elevated ERA of 3.09 despite low FIP suggesting some bad luck or sequencing issues
- - Struggled with transition from bullpen to opener role
About
Burch Smith is a rp for the Detroit Tigers.
Player Overview
RP
Detroit Tigers