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BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Former Campbell hurler Jake Smith was one of eight pitchers the San Francisco Giants promoted to their 40-man roster Friday.

The Giants purchased Smith's contract from Minor League affiliate San Jose, protecting the right-hander from next month's Rule 5 Draft.

Smith recently won the fan vote for 2015 MiLB Relief Pitcher of the Year.

Pitching for the San Jose Giants, Class A Advanced California League affiliate of the Giants, Smith compiled 118 strikeouts in just 84 1/3 innings, logging 16 saves with a 2.35 ERA and a 4-4 record.

In his fourth professional season, Smith has also seen time with the Arizona League Giants, Salem-Keizer Volcanoes and Augusta GreenJackets. Smith was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 2011 (48th round) after one season at Campbell.

Smith was also named the San Jose Giants' 2015 Relief Pitcher of the Year, and Baseball America's "Top Reliever" in the California League in a survey of league managers. All 16 of the right-hander's saves came in the second half and his 118 strikeouts in 84 1/3 innings was tops among all relievers in the league.

He is one of eight former Camels across professional baseball, and the second to join a Major League club in 2015, joining current Atlanta Braves lefty Matt Marksberry.