By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Free agent LHP Drew Smyly has agreed to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies, likely to a major-league deal, as first reported by MLB Network's Jon Heyman on Friday. NBC Sports Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury first reported on Thursday that the Phillies have "expressed interest" in the left-hander, and added on Friday that Smyly could pitch "as soon as Sunday."
Smyly, 30, is a six-year veteran that has played all of his 169 career games (94 starts) in the American League — with the Detroit Tigers (2012-14), Tampa Bay Rays (2014-16) and Texas Rangers (2019). Smyly underwent Tommy John surgery in 2017.
.@EmilyJonesMcCoy shines the spotlight on newly acquired starter Drew Smyly.#TogetherWe pic.twitter.com/fJDh0Xh8eP
— FOX Sports Southwest (@FOXSportsSW) April 2, 2019
In June, the Rangers released Smyly, who the Milwaukee Brewers would then sign earlier this month before he elected his release from Triple-A San Antonio on Thursday. Smyly likely knew the Phillies were ready to offer him a big-league deal at the time of his opt-out request.
The Little Rock, Arkansas, native has posted a respectable 32-32 career record, 4.13 ERA, and 1.258 WHIP, but in 13 appearances this season with the Rangers — his first MLB action since Tommy John surgery — he went just 1-5 with a 8.42 ERA, albeit striking out 52 batters in 51 1/3 innings.
With Smyly possibly slated for a Sunday start opposite the Pittsburgh Pirates, he would be taking Vince Velasquez's spot in the rotation. Adding Smyly is a welcome addition, considering the Phillies have started just a handful of left-handed pitchers since the days of Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels being in the rotation.
