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Every MLB team is bound to go through injuries during the season. No team has quite had to deal with what the Boston Red Sox have had to go through in 2024. The Red Sox recently lost first baseman Triston Casas to injury, the fourth infielder to hit the injured list for Boston.
As the calendar flips to May, the Red Sox are bringing in some reinforcements. Boston agreed to terms on a contract with veteran first baseman Dominic Smith on Wednesday, per Robert Murray. It is a major league deal which should see Smith joining the roster later this week.
Smith spent a month in the minors after signing a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. He hit for a .263 average with five extra-base hits and 11 RBIs in 21 games with the Durham Bulls. The Rays never called him up to the big leagues and he was released on Tuesday.
Smith made his MLB debut with the New York Mets in 2017, four years after they drafted him in the first round. He appeared in over 400 games for the Mets through the 2022 season before signing with the Washington Nationals. Smith played in 153 games with the Nats in 2023, recording 33 extra-base hits with a .692 OPS.
With Bobby Dalbec struggling, the Red Sox may be inclined to give Smith plenty of at-bats. They’ve also tried Garrett Cooper at first base.
Red Sox finding winning ways despite injuries
The Red Sox should be applauded for the start they’ve had given all the obstacles they’ve faced. 13 players on Boston’s 40-man roster are on the injured list and the Red Sox lead the league with 25 errors.
Still, Boston finished April strong with three straight wins, including a pair of shutouts. The Sox are 17-13 and are tied for the most road wins in the American League. There is still plenty of work to do to reach the postseason but the Red Sox have positioned themselves well through the first portion of the year.
Staying healthy is a key to staying competitive and the Red Sox have not had much luck health-wise over the last two months. However, Boston is defying the odds and has impressive stats to back it up.
The Red Sox have the lowest team ERA in the MLB by a wide margin at 2.59 and also leads the league in FIP. Even without starters Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito and Nick Pivetta, Boston’s rotation is among the league’s top performers and is keeping the Sox in almost every game.
The addition of Dominic Smith might not do much to move the needle, but he is an experienced big leaguer who can add some pop to the lineup. He is also somewhat expendable as an outfielder, although he will likely primarily serve as a first baseman for the Red Sox.
Smith will join the team this week and could be in the lineup as soon as Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants. The Red Sox keeping their momentum going and remaining in the playoff hunt would be a great storyline for the 2024 MLB season.
More must-reads:
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- The 'No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft' quiz
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