Red Sox release veteran first baseman following DFA, club looks to rebound in second game of series in Houston
The Red Sox released first baseman Dominic Smith on Tuesday, just four days after the club designated the veteran for assignment.
Boston DFA’d Smith when they activated first baseman Triston Casas from the 60-day injured list.
While with the Red Sox, Smith batted .237 with a .317 on-base percentage, .706 OPS, six homers, 20 doubles, 34 RBI, 29 runs, and 25 walks in 83 games. Smith was particularly solid in his final 33 games with the team, batting .284 with an .845 OPS dating back to July 4.
The Red Sox initially signed Smith on May 1, 11 days after Casas landed on the IL with fractured cartilage in his ribcage. Smith became available after he opted out of his minor league deal with the Rays.
“He was outstanding. Outstanding,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said last week. “It’s one of those that’s a tough decision. But one that everybody knew was going to happen. Roster-wise, it was hard to keep him with us. But he put in great at-bats. He only had one bad defensive week. He didn’t make like two plays. But after that, he settled down. The picks at first base and the calmness for the guys around him was very important. In the clubhouse is huge. It was very important for those guys. Always upbeat, always ready to go. He found his groove two weeks ago or three weeks ago.
“He’s A-plus. A-plus. He’s a good player. He’s still young, and he has a bright future, still, in the game.”
Smith will become a free agent and will be able to sign with any team.
“He was a pro about it,” Cora said. “Let’s see what the future holds. When you have those conversations, thinking about the player, hopefully someone picks him up and he stays in the big leagues. If not, we’ll see what happens.”
Red Sox look to get back on track in second game of series in Space City
Nick Pivetta will take the ball on Tuesday night, following a 5-4 loss on Monday. Astros’ Yainer Diaz hit a walk-off homer in the win, and in the process, the Sox dropped to 4 1/2 games behind the Royals for the final American League Wild Card spot. Over his last nine starts, Pivetta has scuffled, posting a 1-4 record with a 5.17 ERA.
The Astros will counter with Ronel Blanco, who threw a no-hitter earlier this season; he has just one win in his last nine starts, posting a 3.83 ERA in that span.
Red Sox vs. Blanco: Wilyer Abreu 0-2, Rafael Devers 0-1, Jarren Duran 1-3, David Hamilton 1-2, Ceddanne Rafaela 1-1, Connor Wong 0-2, Masataka Yoshida 0-2
Red Sox (65-59) lineup vs. the Astros (68-56):
Jarren Duran / CF
Wilyer Abreu / RF
Triston Casas / 1B
Rafael Devers / 3B
Tyler O’Neill / LF
Masataka Yoshida / DH
Danny Jansen / C
David Hamilton / 2B
Ceddanne Rafaela SS
SP: Nick Pivetta / (5-8, 4.49 ERA)
The first pitch is at 8:10 p.m. and can be seen on NESN, FuboTV, or Sling, and it can be heard on WEEI 93.7 FM.
