Cubs return Rule 5 pick to Yankees

The Chicago Cubs have returned left-handed pitcher Caleb Smith to the Yankees. Smith was a Rule-5 pick for Chicago back in December.

ROSTER MOVE: The #Yankees have received LHP Caleb Smith as a Rule 5 Draft return from the @Cubs.

— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) March 29, 2017

The 25-year-old was in competition for a bullpen spot with the Cubbies but failed to crack the big league roster. Smith threw 6.1 innings this spring and gave up three runs but he struck out seven batters while only walking two. In 2016 as a member of the Yankees with their Double-A affiliate, Smith went 3-5 with a 4.81 earned run average in 62.3 innings. Smith was a 14th round pick of the Yankees back in 2013 and has seen action throughout every level of the minors. He will head to minor league camp and most likely start the season back in Double-A.