The Diamondbacks have optioned first baseman/outfielder Pavin Smith to Triple-A Reno, per the team’s transaction log.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!With shortstop Geraldo Perdomo set to be activated from the 10-day injured list before Tuesday’s series opener against the Los Angeles Angels, the team was facing a difficult roster crunch. It was already reported earlier by Arizona Sports radio host John Gambadoro that Eugenio Suárez would not be the player sent out. The justification for keeping Suárez is a simple argument, as the team lacks credible replacements at the hot corner at the major league level or in Triple-A. Top prospect Jordan Lawlar, who is set to return to Reno this week, is getting reps at third base along with Perdomo.
Smith ultimately was the odd man out in that roster crunch, as the fifth outfielder and seldom-used backup at first base. With Alek Thomas not too far behind in his own recovery, there was no potential role for him on the major league roster. Smith acquitted himself well in this opportunity, batting .268 with three home runs and an .829 OPS in 61 plate appearances.
He provided some critical at-bats late in games that made a huge difference. He drew a walk that set up the go-ahead run to score in a one-run victory over the Cincinnati Reds on May 9, a double that set the stage for a last at-bat win over the Reds on May 15, and hit a walk-off home run against the San Francisco Giants on June 3. With how tight the National League Wild Card race is in 2024, those three wins could be critical if the team makes a successful run to the postseason.
Despite Smith’s strong play of late, the main issue came down to having their best lineups. Blaze Alexander has an easy path to the starting lineup against left-handed pitching, either as an infielder or DH, and can back up three infield positions. Sending him down would have crippled their lineup against lefties while sending down Smith doesn’t necessarily hurt their lineup vs. righties.
Should the need ever arise for Smith to be back on the major league roster, the Diamondbacks have a guy who they feel confident can give them a quality at-bat off the bench in even the toughest pressure situations.
Diamondbacks face difficult roster crunch with Geraldo Perdomo returning soon
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Michael McDermott covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @MichaelMcDMLB
