Smith lands new role as outfielder with 51s
When the Mets released veteran first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and promoted Dominic Smith from the 51s in June, Smith finally appeared to have a chance to show what he could do in the majors for an extended period of time.
It didn’t work out that way.
Smith, New York’s 2013 first-round pick and a top-100 prospect last year, played infrequently. In 71 at-bats with the Mets this season, the lefty was hitting .183 with one home run.
The Mets frequently put Wilmer Flores at first base and deployed Smith in the outfield.
Smith, a first baseman, hadn’t played the outfield since high school until a few games in Triple A earlier this season. On Friday, they sent him back to the 51s.
With Peter Alonso, the organization’s No. 2 prospect, now at first base for the 51s, it seems Smith will be seeing plenty more time in the outfield.
Smith is the better defensive first baseman, but Alonso strictly is limited to first base.
“(Smith is) going to have to play the outfield. When you get a DH, I can do that — I can go back and forth,” manager Tony Defrancesco said. “I can DH one and put one at first, but a National League game most likely he’s going to have to play a lot more to that and maybe give Peter a day off. But right now he’s planning on playing outfield, first base and DH.”
Smith was in the lineup Sunday for the 51s, playing left field.
The 51s can use the designated hitter this week in their home series against Nashville, the Triple-a affiliate of Oakland — an American League team.
Wahl on board
Bobby Wahl, part of the
Mets’ return in their trade with Oakland for reliever Jeurys Familia, joined the 51s over the weekend.
Wahl, a 26-year-old right-handed reliever, was 3-2 with a 2.27 ERA in 39 2 2/3 innings spanning 34 appearances with Nashville this season. He had 11 saves in 12 opportunities, with 65 strikeouts.
Wahl pitched briefly for the Athletics last season, appearing in seven games. He underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome in August, ending his season.
Upcoming at Cashman
The 51s are off Monday before hosting Nashville for three games and Memphis for four.
On Tuesday, the 51s will play as “Reyes de Plata.” Thursday will be Budweiser Dollar Beer Night, and Friday will feature postgame fireworks.
The team will give away a “51s Mets style jersey” to the first 2,500 fans through the gates Saturday, and, on July 30, select food will be offered at discounted prices.
Contact Betsy Helfand at bhelfand@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Betsyhelfand on Twitter.