Josh Smith (right-handed pitcher)

Smith was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 21st round of the 2010 MLB draft out of Lipscomb University.[1] He rose through the Reds' minor league system, reaching Triple-A in 2014. In 2015, Smith was called up to the majors for the first time on April 13,[2] but did not make his MLB debut until June 23, allowing four runs in three innings of a no decision against the Pittsburgh Pirates.[3] He made nine appearances (seven starts) with the Reds in 2015, compiling an 0–4 record with 6.89 ERA.[4] In 2016, Smith made 32 appearances (two starts) with the Reds, pitching to a 3–3 record with a 4.68 ERA.[4] He also spent time in the minor leagues during 2015 and 2016.

On November 4, 2016, Smith was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics.[5]

In 2017, Smith began the season with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, until the Athletics purchased his contract on May 3, adding him to their active roster.[6] With the A's during 2017, Smith made 26 relief appearances, recording a 4.89 ERA and a record of 2–1.[4] He was outrighted to Triple-A on November 5, 2017, and then elected to become a free agent.

On March 15, 2018, Smith signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners.[7] He made four appearances with the Tacoma Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League, recording a 6.10 ERA,[4] and was released on April 21, 2018.

On May 16, 2018, Smith signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox.[8] He joined the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox in June, appearing in 18 games (10 starts) with a 5–6 record and 4.14 ERA.[4] Smith started the 2019 season with Pawtucket.[4] He was added to Boston's active roster on April 26 to make a spot-start against the Tampa Bay Rays;[9] however, the game was rained out.[10] Smith made his Red Sox debut on May 3, pitching a scoreless inning against the Chicago White Sox.[11] He next made a spot start against the Baltimore Orioles on May 6, taking the loss while allowing four runs in 3+1⁄3 innings.[12] Smith was returned to Pawtucket on May 20, when David Price was activated from the injured list.[13] Smith was optioned between Pawtucket and Boston several times during June;[14] he recorded his first MLB save on June 13, against the Texas Rangers.[15] After spending all of July with Pawtucket, Smith was recalled to Boston on August 2, when Heath Hembree was placed on the injured list.[16] Smith was optioned back to Pawtucket two days later, and recalled to Boston on August 20.[17] Overall with the 2019 Red Sox, Smith appeared in 18 games (two starts), compiling an 0–3 record with one save, along with a 5.81 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 31 innings. Smith was removed from Boston's 40-man roster in October and sent outright to Pawtucket.[18] On October 21, he elected to become a free agent.[19]

On December 18, 2019, Smith signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins.[20] On August 3, 2020, Smith was selected to the active roster. On October 29, 2020, Smith was outrighted off of the 40-man roster.

On December 11, 2020, Smith signed with the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO League.[21] On April 15, 2021, he was waived after posting a 6.30 ERA and 1.40 WHIP over two starts.[22]

On April 27, 2021, Smith signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins. Smith played in 9 games between the Florida Complex League Marlins and the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, registering a 2–0 record and 2.60 ERA.[23] On July 22, Smith was released by the Marlins organization.[24]

On June 21, 2022, Smith signed with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League.[25] He was released on April 19, 2023.[26]