Dominic Smith
Breakdown
Performance
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July 8, 2026
Not starting against righty
Smith is not in the lineup for Wednesday's tilt in Pittsburgh.
Analysis
It's righty Jared Jones on the bump for the Pirates, but the left-handed-hitting Smith will begin the contest on the bench. It's the first time since May 6 that Smith has been absent from the lineup when the opposition has a right-hander on the mound. Drake Baldwin is getting a start at designated hitter, and Joey Bart will be Atlanta's catcher.
July 4, 2026
Taking seat Saturday
Smith isn't starting for Atlanta versus the Mets on Saturday.
Analysis
The lefty-hitting Smith doesn't usually start against southpaw pitchers, and that's the case Saturday as lefty Sean Manaea is on the mound for the Mets. With Smith beginning on the bench, Drake Baldwin is getting a DH day while Joey Bart takes a turn behind the plate.
July 3, 2026
Drives in three in Thursday's loss
Smith went 1-for-4 with a double, a run scored and three RBI in Thursday's loss to the Cardinals.
Analysis
The 31-year-old journeyman came to the plate with the bases loaded in the first inning and cleared them with a comebacker that deflected off Dustin May's ankle and went into shallow right field. Smith continues to see consistent playing time at DH against right-handed pitchers, but he's gone 19 straight games without a home run, managing just a .196/.259/.235 slash line over that stretch with two doubles and seven RBI. His declining production could prompt Atlanta to look for a more reliable left-handed power source at the trade deadline.
