Pavin Smith - Page 5 - MLB News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports

In leadoff spot again Smith is in the leadoff spot again for the Diamondbacks on Monday in Philadelphia.

Impact It's the second game in a row that Smith has hit leadoff, as it appears it will be the new setup for Arizona at least against right-handed pitching. Josh Rojas had been the team's regular leadoff man versus righties but will again be hitting sixth in this one.

MAY 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Bats leadoff Sunday Smith batted leadoff and went 1-for-5 with an RBI in Sunday's 8-3 win over the Pirates.

Impact This was the first time Smith hit leadoff for Arizona, which usually employs Josh Rojas atop the order against right-handers or Ketel Marte against lefties. It's unclear if this will a common practice going forward.

MAY 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Swats go-ahead home run Smith went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 4-3 victory over the Pirates.

Impact Though Smith was retired by Mitch Keller in each of his first two plate appearances, Smith had the most important swing of the day, taking reliever Robert Stephenson yard for a two-run long shot that plated Lourdes Gurriel and gave the Diamondbacks a one-run advantage. The homer was Smith's first since April 19 (23 games) and just his third of the year. In his last six appearances, Smith has hit just 2-for-21 (.095) with six strikeouts.

MAY 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Sitting versus lefty Smith is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Marlins.

Impact Arizona will go with a right-heavy lineup with left-hander Jesus Luzardo on the mound for Miami. Lourdes Gurriel is in left field, Corbin Carroll is in center and Dominic Fletcher is in right. Emmanuel Rivera will serve as the designated hitter.

MAY 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Wins it with walk Smith walked off the Nationals with a pinch hit walk in the bottom of the ninth inning of Saturday's 8=7 win.

Impact He entered as a pinch hitter for Gabriel Moreno and walked in Christian Walker for the win. Smith, who initially found success upon his callup from Triple-A Reno, entered Saturday's contest with just one hit over his last 18 at-bats. He's still a lineup mainstay against righties, but a prolonged slump could change that.

MAY 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Sits against southpaw Smith will be on the bench against lefty MacKenzie Gore and the Nationals on Saturday.

Impact Smith has shown more this season that he'd previously shown at the big-league level, slashing .260/.373/.440, though that comes in a small sample of 59 plate appearances. That's earned him an increasing role, as he's started against each of the last eight righties the Diamondbacks have faced, but he's been in the lineup just once against a southpaw this season.

MAY 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Takes seat against Rangers Smith is not in the starting lineup against the Rangers on Wednesday.

Impact Smith will take a seat with southpaw Andrew Heaney on the mound for Texas on Wednesday. Emmanuel Rivera is hitting second and handling DH duties in Smith's absence.

MAY 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Out of lineup Friday Smith is out of the lineup Friday against the Rockies.

Impact Emmanuel Rivera is serving as Arizona's designated hitter and batting second with left-hander Kyle Freeland getting the start for Colorado. Smith boasts an overall .353/.463/.618 batting line on the season but has logged only five plate appearances against southpaws up to this point.

APRIL 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Takes seat against southpaw Smith is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Royals.

Impact Smith will join fellow lefty hitter Josh Rojas on the bench for the series finale as the Diamondbacks stock up on extra right-handed bats with southpaw Ryan Yarbrough on the bump for Kansas City. Evan Longoria will replace Smith as the Diamondbacks' designated hitter.

APRIL 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starts for Walker Smith started at first base in place of Christian Walker (forearm) and went 0-for-1 with two walks in Sunday's 7-5 loss to San Diego.

Impact Walker sustained a forearm injury when he was hit by a pitch in Saturday's game and given Sunday off. The X-rays on Walker's arm came back negative, so there's reason to believe this was a one-game decision, after he played 10 consecutive games. Smith, who has filled in well when called on since being called up from Triple-A Reno, would likely fill-in against Kansas City righty Brad Keller on Monday if Walker remains out.

APRIL 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE