​The Arizona Diamondbacks made a notable roster move before Friday’s series opener with the Los Angeles Dodgers, as first baseman Pavin Smith was designated for assignment, per Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. The 30-year-old left-handed hitter couldn’t generate enough offensive momentum for the D-Backs to keep him on the roster. In 28 games this season, Smith slashed .141/.236/.192 with one home run and a .428 OPS. He had undergone elbow surgery in April to remove loose bodies from his left elbow, a procedure that may have impacted his bat.
Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors noted that D-Backs first basemen have posted a collective .210/.253/.303 line over 366 plate appearances, making it the most obvious area for the team to address at the trade deadline, ideally with a left-handed bat.
The move comes after Carlos Santana began the season with the D-Backs but didn’t remain with the club long due to struggles at the plate and a groin injury. Replacing Smith on Arizona’s active roster is rookie outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt.
As for the Dodgers, the context surrounding a potential clash with the Yankees and the broader trade market for players like Tarik Skubal has been a talking point, alongside other ongoing narratives in the NL West. The Dodgers’ path to improvement has included looking for ways to address needs and maximize performance in a division that often hinges on timely acquisitions and depth. The Diamondbacks’ decision to move on from Smith underscores how teams recalibrate rosters midseason in pursuit of more productive fits, especially from the left-handed side of the platoon.