By BARRY LEWIS Sports Writer on Sep 6, 2013, at 2:15 PM Updated on 9/06 at 2:15 PM
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Tim Smalling was a bright spot in the Tulsa Drillers' 4-1 loss to Arkansas in Game 2 of the Texas League's North Division finals on Thursday night at ONEOK Field. Arkansas leads the best-of-five series, 2-0.
Smalling had two hits in three at-bats and made an impressive diving catch in left field. Until the past two weeks, Smalling had not played in the outfield since college.
Smalling, primarily a third baseman and second baseman, has been solid around the infield since joining the Drillers in July. After a slow start, he finished the regular season at .237 with one homer and 10 RBIs in 31 games for Tulsa. However, he is batting .333 over his last 11 games.
Smalling batted .274 at Single-A Modesto last year as he split time with current Drillers teammate Jayson Langfels. Smalling also had a strong postseason for Modesto.
"I like what he brings to the table," Drillers manager Kevin Riggs said.
It appeared he would likely open the season with the Drillers but was sent back to Modesto at the end of spring training. He missed much of the first half of this season due to a concussion.
"I got hit in the head with a fastball," Smalling said in a recent interview. "I was out for three weeks, came back and played two weeks, then I had more symptoms from the concussion so I missed another month. It was rough for a while but we have a good medical staff and you don't mess with head injuries.
"It was tough not playing but I was fortunate to get promoted here and trying to make the most of my opportunity. I just want to help the team win any way I can."
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