Red Sox Release Dominic Smith After Triston Casas Returns from Rib Injury

Dominic Smith’s Boston Red Sox season ended on a dismal note.

After making 83 appearances, Smith was released, the Red Sox announced on Tuesday.

On May 1, Smith was signed by the Red Sox to cover for Triston Casas at first base while he was on the

injured list with a torn rib cartilage.

The Tampa Bay Rays signed Smith as a late free agent during spring training. He played for their Triple-

A affiliate in Durham at the start of the 2024 season before using his contract’s opt-out to sign with the

Red Sox.

Following his signing with Boston, Smith’s career took a delayed start. The 29-year-old began to

strike.179/.256/.256 in 25 games with 86 plate appearances, 12 RBI, and 19 strikeouts from May 1–30.

From May 31 to August 15, Smith made 58 appearances, with a slash line of.263/.344,/.450 with 22

extra-base hits and 22 RBI in 192 plate appearances. Casas was activated off of the IL the day after his

final appearance on August 15.

Smith is a left-handed hitter like Casas, hence he was unnecessary on the Boston team. The main

designated hitter for the squad, left-handed hitter Masataka Yoshida, shares this trait.

Smith would probably catch on with a contender wanting to add another hitter to the lineup for the

stretch run, given his success before being released.

The New York Mets selected Smith in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft, and he made his

debut after four years. Before signing with the Washington Nationals in 2023, he played for the Mets for six seasons.

Smith has played for three different clubs in 683 games, with a career slash line of.247/.314/.405, 64

home runs, and 259 RBI.