Carson Smith

Carson Smith (elbow) near rehab assignment for Red Sox

Boston Red Sox reliever Carson Smith (elbow) made an appearance in an extended spring training game on Thursday.

What It Means:

It was only supposed to be a simulated game, but Smith felt good enough to face live competition. "He's advancing pretty good here," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "The change to a game versus a sim game was because of how well he's responded to the work so far." Smith could begin a minor league rehab assignment early next week, and it's possible he'll be ready to join the Boston bullpen by the end of the month. He was placed on the disabled list just before Opening Day with a flexor strain.

Smith posted a 2.36 xFIP and 2.1 Wins Above Replacement in 2015, which ranked fifth- and fourth-best among relievers. We have him projected to record a 2.81 ERA and 26.5 strikeout percentage in 2016.