Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Dominic Smith was demoted to Triple-A Syracuse on May 31 and recalled three weeks later on June 20
Prior to being sent down to Triple-A Syracuse, Smith was slashing just .186/.287/.256–just a .524 OPS. He had 16 hits in 101 plate appearances, including four doubles, a triple, seven runs, and 14 RBI’s.
Since being recalled, Smith is now batting .333 with a .524 slugging percentage in 21 plate appearances, with four doubles, one run scored, and two RBI’s. He still hasn’t hit a home run in the major-league level in nearly a year, but the 27-year old has shown improvement and a little more pop since being recalled from Triple-A. As Anthony DiComo points out, four of Smith’s last six batted balls have been hit 103 mph or harder.
He has appeared in five of the Mets’ last 12 games and he has looked strong since returning, including a performance on Monday that helped lead the Mets to their win over the Reds. A sixth-inning double over Nick Senzel’s head brought in two Mets to bring their lead from 4-3 to 6-3.
“He’s hitting with some malice,” said Buck Showalter following the Mets’ 7-4 win over the Reds.
Smith wasn’t pleased to be demoted in May. He returned having worked on his swing, and with a reality and realization that he was getting a second chance, he needed to hit well in return. He worked on his mechanics and foot stance, getting back to basics he said he didn’t realize he had lost.
“Anytime you can come up in any big moment, it’s a great sign,” said Smith after Monday’s game.
Time will tell if Smith is really “back,” but he has shown signs of improved mechanics, a better swing, and a fight inside him to stay at the big league level.
“It’s one thing to have Dom back, but it’s another thing for him to be productive,” Showalter said. “He wasn’t when he left. He is now.”
