The New York Mets recalled Smith from Syracuse, one week after they sent him to the AAA level, after getting bad news about Matz.
Dominic Smith‘s Syracuse sabbatical is over.
The New York Mets recalled the utility man back up to major league level on Thursday. Smith had been optioned to Syracuse exactly one week prior, but is back with the team after starting pitcher Steven Matz was placed on the injured list.
Smith is in the midst of his third season with the Mets. Thus far on the 2019 MLB circuit, he has batted .333 (10-for-30) with four runs batted in. He partook in two games with Syracuse, including a 6-1 win over Louisville on Wednesday. Smith went 2-for-5 with a double and RBI.
“It was an emotional day for me,” Smith said of his brief departure, according to Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News. “I know some of the guys were pretty sad about it. I gave everybody individual hugs before I left. It was tough. But we understand. Just like that, a couple days later I’m right back here. It’s nothing to dwell on.”
Smith’s return puts a left-handed bat back on the team bench.
Matz was expected to pitch on Tuesday when the Mets open a road set in Washington. Mike Puma of the New York Post reported that he received a cortisone injection this week for nerve irritation in his left forearm. Recently acquired reliever Wilmer Font will likely get his start. The former Tampa Bay Ray went four innings in his first start on Wednesday in San Diego. He allowed two earned runs on three hits in what became a 3-2 Mets loss.
The IL move for Matz was retroactive to May 5. Thus, the Mets are hoping Matz could start the series finale against the Nationals next Thursday.
The Mets opened a three-game series with the Miami Marlins on Friday night, one that continues on Saturday night at Citi Field (7:10 p.m. ET, WPIX).
