After Triston Casas tore his rib cartilage on April 20, the Boston Red Sox signed Dominic Smith as a first-base placeholder without much fanfare.
At first, he platooned with fellow first baseman Garett Cooper. Eventually, Smith developed into Boston's first choice at the corner, and he quickly gained a slew of fans. He's been feeling — and looking — more like the Smith who was a first-round draft pick in 2013.
The 29-year-old is slashing .286/.348/.548 since July 1. He's drilled 11 doubles since the All-Star break and his incredible, although, not beautiful, slide into home against Seth Lugo on Aug. 6 was a huge moment that helped Boston secure a wild card tiebreaker against one of its fiercest American League opponents.
Smith's solid defense, frequent smile and "good vibes" have bonded Boston fans to the first baseman. He feels the same about them.
Red Sox fans don't want to lose Dominic Smith when Triston Casas returns from injury
"I would have a couple bad at-bats, or I wasn't hitting particularly well early in the season, and I would just remember walking up on deck and fans would be like, 'we love you Dom, keep grinding, keep going,'" Smith said on a recent episode of NESN's "310 to Left" podcast. "Just that little positive motivation, for me, made me feel really good and made me really feel like the fans gravitated towards me, my energy and just wanted me to do well."
This positive relationship has been a recent source of dread for Red Sox Nation — Smith may not be long for the squad with Casas making his way through his rehab assignment with the WooSox.
Has Dom been watching some Olympic swimming?! 😮💨 #RedSox pic.twitter.com/sbmxhilTL2
— NESN (@NESN) August 7, 2024
The Red Sox will have to open a roster spot before Casas can be reinstated, and Smith is among the most likely players to be designated for assignment to accommodate him. Fans love Casas, but Boston's newfound affinity for Smith has them conflicted.
It wouldn't make much sense for the Red Sox to carry two lefty first basemen in their already left-hander-heavy roster, but Casas may need extra rest after his return. The slugger still experiences pain when he swings, and although he plans to play through it, playing him every day for the rest of the season may not be a risk the Sox are willing to take.
Rosters expand in Sept. and teams can carry two extra players on their squad. Casas will likely return before then, though, and if Smith is subject to waivers, there's no guarantee he'll clear them and stick with Boston.
Despite the knowledge that he may not be a Red Sox for the rest of the season, Smith has maintained a positive attitude and a high level of effort. Red Sox Nation loves him for it, and hopes the organization can find a way to keep Smith around.