Photo by Ernest Dove, MMO

The New York Mets won their Grapefruit League opener by a 6-2 score over the Atlanta Braves but unfortunately one of the hot topics after the game was Dominic Smith being disciplined.

Smith showed up late for a team meeting on Friday morning and later found out that manager Mickey Callaway was holding him accountable by taking him out of the lineup.

When asked about the incident after the game Callaway said, “It’s a little shocking. He’s trying to win a job, and it’s unfortunate.”

It’s good to see that Callaway responded to his first test as manager with the fact that he’s going to hold his players accountable for their actions.

Unfortunately this isn’t the first time Smith has been late according to Abbey Mastracco of NJ.com. In fact she says that Smith had been late to the park a few times after getting called up to the big leagues last season and was reprimanded by veterans.

Smith talked to reporters after finding out he was taken out of the lineup saying, “I’m more upset I let myself down. I was so excited to be in the lineup and be playing.”

Original Report – Feb. 23, 12:24 p.m.

New York Mets young first baseman Dominic Smith was late for a team meeting today and was scratched from the lineup as his discipline according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

Mets manager Mickey Callaway announced yesterday that Smith would play first base and bat fourth for the Mets on Friday in their Grapefruit League opener.

Smith told reporters after the minor mistake, “It’s unacceptable & I’m at fault.”

Smith is battling veteran Adrian Gonzalez for the Mets starting role at first base. Gonzalez was signed to a major league deal earlier this offseason as insurance at the position after Smith struggled in his brief MLB time in 2017.

The 22-year-old Smith showed up to camp having lost 30 pounds and in fantastic shape, saying he felt more like an athlete than he ever has. Smith slashed .198/.262/.395 while playing poor defense in his 49 games of major league experience last season. He did hit .330/.386/.519 with 43 doubles, 16 home runs and 76 RBIs in Triple-A before his late season promotion.

Slugging first base prospect Peter Alonso will get the start at first instead on Friday.