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Former groundskeeper called up by Padres
- Updated: September 8, 2016
SAN DIEGO — After spending years preparing the mound within the Giants organization as part of the team’s Augusta grounds crew, right-hander Jake Smith is closer than he’s ever been to stepping on a Major League mound, as a player.
The Padres claimed Smith from the Giants off of waivers on July 6, and recalled the 26-year-old right prior to Wednesday’s finale vs. the Red Sox.
“It’s actually a fairly amazing story,” said Padres manager Andy Green. “He was on the grounds crew in Augusta, working on the mound, and the pitching coach there challenged him to throw a bullpen [session]. He threw a bullpen for them, and they eventually drafted him because of what they saw there. It’s been a crazy road for him to get here.”
This season, Smith has been focusing on getting healthy, after dealing with a few minor shoulder issues that set him back. He has thrown 27 innings in …
