The New York Mets have incredible depth in the position player side of things, which is why they were forced to try Dominic Smith, a first baseman by trade, in the outfield given Pete Alonso’s emergence in 2019.
Smith had his own breakout season for the Mets in 2020, but with Alonso blocking him at first base, he was used mainly as an outfielder and designated hitter en route to a .316/.377/.616 line and 10 home runs in 50 games and 199 plate appearances.
He became one of the Mets’ best hitters last season, which is why any injury news about Smith will be worrisome for fans. In this case, he was scratched from Wednesday’s Grapefruit League game against the Marlins due to wrist soreness.
The left-handed slugger was replaced in the Mets’ lineup by Mallex Smith. Manager Luis Rojas is calling him day-to-day with the ailment, and the skipper did tell reporters that the player did defensive work before the game.
The Mets expect it to be a short-term absence
If there are no setbacks, Smith should be in the lineup for the Mets’ Opening Day tilt.
With the absence of the designated hitter (at least so far) for the 2021 season, it will be a challenge for the Mets to fit Smith in the everyday lineup, but given his considerable offensive contributions (he did, after all, had a 164 wRC+ last season) they better do it.
Smith should be the Mets’ left fielder most days when the real action starts, but he will also make some starts at first base on the days that Alonso rests. He should also be the designated hitter when the Mets play in American League parks.
With a two-hit performance by Mets’ shortstop Francisco Lindor, New York won Wednesday’s game against the Miami Marlins, backed by a fantastic outing by rotation hopeful Joey Lucchesi.