Dominic Smith Latches On With Reds
3 months agoFree-agent first baseman/outfielder Dominic Smith signed a major-league deal with the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, according to sources. Smith was released by the Boston Red Sox recently after serving as their primary first baseman since May because of a rib-cage injury to Triston Casas. Smith's deal with the Reds is pending a physical. The 29-year-old left-handed hitter hit .237/.317/.390 with a .706 OPS, six home runs, 34 RBI and 29 runs scored in his 249 at-bats with Boston before being released this year. Smith has been a bit better since the All-Star break, though, and he could see some playing time in Cincy at first base against right-handed pitching now that Jeimer Candelario (toe) is on the injured list. The former 11th overall pick by the New York Mets in 2013 is a career .247/.314/.405 hitter in eight major-league seasons with a .719 OPS. UPDATE: Smith is making his Reds debut on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates and rookie right-hander Paul Skenes, starting at first base and batting seventh at PNC Park.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan