PHOENIX – Pavin Smith is no longer just another struggling hitter in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ lineup, and every start comes with fans roasting the decision. The reactions on social media are filled with frustration about what fans think of the team’s decision-making.
Jul 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona first baseman Smith reacts after hitting into an inning ending double play in the eighth against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Smith is hitting .151 with 13 hits and one home run this season, numbers that would make any extended opportunity difficult to defend. The confusion only grew after Arizona recently designated him for assignment, only for him to return and find himself back in the starting lineup. That decision has not exactly been met with patience. When the lineup is released and Smith’s name appears, social media reactions have turned increasingly hostile. Fans see an inconsistent hitter occupying valuable at-bats on a team trying to remain relevant in the playoff race. Arizona is 1-3 since his return, adding another layer to the frustration, even if Smith cannot single-handedly explain those results.
Arizona fans react to Pavin Smith in D-backs’ starting lineup:
3 games in a row with Pavin Smith… wow. Torture.
— Ryan ☀️ (@Whitebird480) September 16, 2026
1-3 since Pavin was called back up and… he gets another start. Someone needs to lose their job for this.
— max (@Mikal25DPOY) September 16, 2026
Pavin Smith gets back an he plays more than Lawlar and Waldschmidt🤣 makes perfect sense.
— HQ🔱 (@HQBurner) September 16, 2026
Damn. Waldschmidt, Fernandez, McCann, Troy, Dave McKay, Chris Garagiola & Baxter must all be hurt because I see Pavin Smith in the lineup again today. 🤔
— Grumpy Larry (@GrumpyLarryAZ) September 16, 2026
“Keep fighting” continues to put Pavin in the lineup
— Azsportsgirl224 (@studios2491) September 16, 2026
pavin starting… not a playoff team
— jacob (@yktvguy) September 16, 2026
Why do we keep playing Pavin if he was so bad before that we DFA’d him? Now he’s taking time from the guys who got us this close.
— Jason Mick (@mickjason) September 16, 2026
Pavin Smith in the line up again 💔💔💔
— J ♋️ (@rupe_jordan) September 16, 2026
Everyday player Pavin Smith! It’s so over
— Luis Ridaura (@LuisRidaura9) September 16, 2026
Jun 7, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Arizona first baseman Smith (26) throws to first to get Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jake Fraley (not pictured) out in the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
The bigger issue is accountability. The Diamondbacks recently moved on from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. because his production was not meeting expectations. That makes Smith’s continued opportunities especially difficult for fans to reconcile. If performance determines playing time, why does that standard appear inconsistent? That is the question Arizona must answer. Smith is not responsible for every offensive problem, but his presence has become symbolic of a lineup that fans believe cannot afford passengers. In a playoff chase, struggling through a few games is understandable. Repeatedly prioritizing a .151 hitter, however, invites scrutiny about the process behind the decision.
Aug 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona first baseman Smith tosses his bat after striking out in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
If the D-backs miss the postseason by a close margin for a third consecutive year, the decision to start Pavin Smith in these crucial matchups, and the people continuing to put him in the lineup, will be attached to that frustration once the season ends.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
