Red Sox to sign free agent first baseman/outfielder Dominic Smith (report)
The Red Sox are set to make another roster move by signing free agent first baseman and outfielder Dominic Smith, according to the Boston Globe’s Julian McWilliams.
Smith was released from his minor-league deal with the Rays on Wednesday. While with the Rays’ Triple-A affiliate and hit .263 with two homers and 11 RBI in 21 games. The 28-year-old had a May 1 opt-out in his contract, allowing him to become a free agent.
Last season, Smith played for the Washington Nationals. He slashed .254/.326/.366 with 12 homers and 46 RBI in 153 games. Prior to that, he spent parts of six big league seasons with the Mets.
With Smith in the fold, the Red Sox can platoon him and Garrett Cooper at first base while the team is without Triston Casas. Boston placed Casas on the 60-day IL with torn cartilage in his rib cage, and he is not eligible to come off until June 20.
The addition of Smith comes on the heels of the Red Sox placing outfielder Masataka Yoshida on the IL with a hand injury and adding infielder Zack Short from the Mets for cash considerations.
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