Red Sox designate Dom Smith for assignment as Triston Casas returns
Smith played 83 games for the Red Sox filling in for Casas this season.
The Red Sox’ first baseman situation will look much different down the stretch than it has for most of this season.
Triston Casas, who has not played for the big league club since April 20, was activated from Boston’s 60-day injured list on Friday. The Red Sox designated Dom Smith for assignment as a corresponding move; Smith has filled in for Casas at first base since joining the team on May 1.
Casas tore cartilage in his ribcage while swinging the bat against the Pirates. He exited the game shortly after and proceeded to miss nearly four months of MLB action.
The 24-year-old played 11 games during his rehab assignment with the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox leading up to his return to Boston. Seven of those came in the field at first base, and he batted as the WooSox’ designated hitter in the other four.
Casas averaged .300 with a .954 OPS in Worcester’s lineup over that span. He also collected eight extra-base hits and drove in seven runs with the Triple-A club.
Despite his impressive offensive statistics, Casas did say that he was experiencing some pain while swinging the bat. The player seemed to dramatize his pain level, while Red Sox manager Alex Cora downplayed its severity. Although, he didn’t deny that Casas was feeling discomfort, as that was to be expected.
Entering Friday, the first baseman seems ready to rejoin the MLB team.
In Casas’s absence, Smith and Romy Gonzalez generally held their own at first base, especially Smith. The 29-year-old Smith batted .237 with a .707 OPS and six home runs over 83 games with the Red Sox.
He became a fan favorite among Red Sox fans as he settled into Boston. Smith pitched for the team in relief three times during blowouts; he didn’t allow a run over three innings of work. The position player was often seen smiling and embracing the moment when he was on the mound.
One memorable play involving Smith came on Aug. 6 against the Royals to break a tie in the sixth inning. He ran home on a passed ball and was initially ruled out. But Boston opted to review the call, which was overturned. The 224-pound Smith pulled off an athletic move to evade the catcher’s tag, turning himself in a way that his left arm stayed close to his body and his right arm could slide in to touch home plate.
Following Smith’s contract being designated for assignment, he can be claimed off waivers by another team over the next seven days. If Smith clears waivers, he could be assigned to Triple-A Worcester. However, given his eight years of MLB service time, he can reject the assignment and become a free agent.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com