This season, the Boston Red Sox have had to cope with an array of injuries. The seasons of Lucas Giolito and Garrett Whitlock, two starting pitchers, are gone. Key rookies like Wilyer Abreu have been out of commission. high-paying part The field is hardly familiar to Trevor Story. More than two months have passed since first baseman Triston Casas last played. Attempting to cover several gaps, Boston has been compelled to acquire several players. A few infielders are contributing, but the most haven’t worked out. In the interim while Casas recovers, Dominic Smith, a recent addition, fills in for Boston at first base.
Dominic Smith and the First Base Conundrum in Boston
Smith played for Triple-A Durham at the start of the season while affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays. Having batted.263 in 21 games, Smith thought his value exceeded that of the minors. The Rays granted him a release on April 30. In a desperate move, Smith joined with the Red Sox the next day as a free agent. On April 20, Casas had hurt his left rib while swinging. A week later, he was moved to the 60-day injured list. Boston urgently needed a hitter for first base. That was represented by Garrett Cooper and Smith.
Early on in Casas’ absence, both players took turns playing at the position. Cooper had recently been released from another major league franchise, just like Smith. After being traded by the Chicago Cubs for cash, he came in Boston. Cooper’s.270 batting average in Chicago was insufficient to keep him on the team. The Red Sox believed the veteran would continue to produce at a similar level.
Cooper, however, was not like that. The 33-year-old was outperformed by Smith, who batted.171 with an OPS of.456. With Cooper marked for assignment on June 11, Boston quickly lost interest in him. Three days later, he was freed after the trade market produced no takers. Smith was now essentially the Red Sox’s sole genuine first baseman. Cooper signed a minor-league contract with the Baltimore Orioles following his release.
Dominic Smith Assisting Bridge The Injury Gap in Boston
When Smith first made his Red Sox debut, things weren’t always ideal. After recording four hits in his opening four games, he was unable to record a hit in his next five. His average dropped to.198 at the start of June, having just about surpassed.200 in late May. Smith appeared to be more of a gap in the lineup than Cooper had been before to his release. Smith’s OPS was below.600 at the end of May.
What’s Going to Happen to Smith?
The outcome involving Casas, who is still out, will largely determine Smith’s destiny. Since Casas recently had an MRI to help provide more clarity, it is now unknown when the child will return. Smith will have a much smaller role after Casas returns. He might be a valuable experienced presence or a spark off the bench for Boston. However, Smith’s work will be finished by then. For the entire season, Smith was not brought in to transform the Red Sox offense. He was and is used as a stopgap measure to deal with Casas’ injury.
