Dominic Smith is a talented baseball player who has made a name for himself in the sport over the years. However, in recent games, Smith has not been getting as much playing time as he used to, leaving many fans wondering why.
In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind Smith’s lack of playing time and analyze his recent performance to see if it may have contributed to this situation.
We will also consider other factors that could be affecting Smith’s playing time, including injury, matchup decisions by the manager, and possible disciplinary issues.
By the end of this blog post, readers will have a better understanding of why Smith isn’t playing and what this could mean for his future in baseball.
Background on Dominic Smith
Dominic Smith is a 26-year-old professional baseball player from California. He was drafted by the New York Mets in the first round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft and has been playing for the team ever since.
Throughout his career, Smith has played in various positions, including first base and outfield. He has shown to be a reliable hitter with a career batting average of .262, and his best season so far was in 2020 when he hit .316 with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs in 50 games.
Currently, Smith plays primarily as a first baseman for the Mets, and he has been used as a designated hitter in games played in American League ballparks. However, in the current season, Smith has not been getting as much playing time as he has in previous seasons.
As of May 3, 2023, Smith has played in 24 games out of 29 total games for the Mets, with 66 plate appearances, 7 runs scored, 14 hits, 3 doubles, and 6 RBIs. While he has had some success at the plate, his playing time has been more limited compared to other players on the team.
Possible Reasons Why Smith Isn’t Playing
Injury
One possible reason why Dominic Smith isn’t playing as much could be due to injury. It’s common for players to miss games or have reduced playing time when they are recovering from an injury. As of May 3, 2023, there are no reports of Smith being injured.
However, players may experience minor injuries that aren’t reported, so it’s possible that Smith is dealing with an injury that isn’t publicly known. If this is the case, he may be out for a few games or even longer, depending on the severity of the injury.
Matchup Decision by the Manager
Another reason why Smith may not be playing could be due to matchup decisions by the manager. Baseball managers often make decisions on who plays based on the opposing team’s pitching and matchups.
For example, if a left-handed pitcher is starting for the other team, the manager may decide to start a right-handed hitter instead of Smith, who is a left-handed hitter. In these situations, the manager may also choose to rest Smith and give him a day off to prepare for future matchups.
Performance
Smith’s recent performance could also be affecting his playing time. While he has had some success at the plate, his overall statistics for the season (.238 batting average, .336 on-base percentage, .352 slugging percentage) are lower than his career average.
If his performance continues to lag behind his career statistics, the manager may choose to give more playing time to other players who are performing better.
Disciplinary Issues
Lastly, it’s possible that Smith could be benched for disciplinary reasons. However, there are no reports of any disciplinary issues related to Smith, so this scenario is less likely.
It’s important to note that teams may not disclose any disciplinary actions taken against their players, so it’s also possible that something has occurred that the public isn’t aware of.
Expert Opinion on Smith’s Situation
Baseball experts have weighed in on the situation with Dominic Smith’s playing time. According to Anthony DiComo, a reporter for MLB who covers the Mets, Smith’s reduced playing time could be attributed to a combination of factors, including his recent struggles at the plate and the emergence of other players on the team.
DiComo states, “Smith hasn’t been hitting at the level he’s capable of, and the Mets have some other guys who are swinging the bat well right now.”
Similarly, Tim Britton, a reporter for The Athletic who also covers the Mets, has suggested that Smith’s playing time could be impacted by his defensive abilities. Britton notes that while Smith is a solid hitter, his defense at first base has been a liability in the past.
He states, “Smith has been a better hitter than a fielder for much of his career, which is why he has been used mostly as a designated hitter in interleague play.”
Looking at patterns in Smith’s playing time, it’s clear that he has seen a reduction in his role compared to previous seasons.
In 2021, Smith played in 129 games and had 508 plate appearances. In 2022, he played in 134 games and had 554 plate appearances. In contrast, as of May 3, 2023, Smith has played in 24 out of 29 games and has only had 66 plate appearances.
This reduction in playing time could be indicative of a shift in the Mets’ priorities and strategies. The emergence of other players on the team, coupled with Smith’s recent struggles at the plate and defensive limitations, could be signaling that the Mets are moving away from relying heavily on Smith as a key player.
However, it’s important to note that the season is still young, and Smith’s playing time could change depending on his performance and the team’s needs in the coming months.
Dominic Smith’s Playing Time (as of May 3, 2023)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 24 |
| Plate Appearances | 66 |
| Runs Scored | 7 |
| Hits | 14 |
| Doubles | 3 |
| RBIs | 6 |
| Batting Average | .238 |
| On-Base Percentage | .336 |
| Slugging Percentage | .352 |
Note: These statistics are accurate as of May 3, 2023, and are subject to change as the season progresses.
FAQs
How much playing time did Dominic Smith get in previous seasons?
Answer: Smith has been a regular player for the Mets in previous seasons, playing in 129 games and having 508 plate appearances in 2021 and playing in 134 games and having 554 plate appearances in 2022.
Who is playing instead of Dominic Smith?
Answer: The Mets have been using a variety of players at first base and designated hitter, depending on matchups and performance. Players such as Pete Alonso, J.D. Davis, and Jonathan Villar have been playing first base, while Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, and others have been used as designated hitters.
Could Dominic Smith be traded to another team?
Answer: It’s always possible that Smith could be traded to another team, especially if the Mets feel that they need to make a move to improve their roster. However, there are no current rumors or reports of Smith being on the trade block.
Has Dominic Smith spoken about his reduced playing time?
Answer: There have been no reports of Smith publicly discussing his reduced playing time. However, it’s possible that he has addressed the situation with his coaches and teammates behind closed doors.
Is there any concern about Dominic Smith’s future with the Mets?
Answer: At this time, there is no indication that there is concern about Smith’s future with the Mets. While his playing time has been reduced, he is still a talented player who has been an important part of the team in the past. The situation could change depending on his performance and the team’s needs in the future.
Conclusion
There are several possible reasons why Dominic Smith isn’t playing as much for the New York Mets this season.
While there are no reports of him being injured or facing disciplinary action, his recent struggles at the plate and defensive limitations, combined with the emergence of other players on the team, could be contributing to his reduced role.
Baseball experts and commentators have suggested that Smith’s playing time could be impacted by these factors, as well as the matchup decisions made by the manager.
Looking ahead, it’s unclear what the future holds for Smith and his role on the Mets. While he has shown himself to be a talented hitter in the past, his current struggles and limited playing time could signal a shift in the team’s priorities and strategies.
However, it’s important to remember that the season is still young, and there is plenty of time for Smith to bounce back and prove himself as a key player on the team.
