Dwight

Smith Jr.

Smith Jr. signed a minor league contract back in February and has been released after hitting .236/.300/.327 with one homer in 60 plate appearances at Triple-A Charlotte. The 29-year-old former top prospect last appeared in the majors with the Orioles during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

There’s no word on whether he’s been given a spring training invite. Smith saw action in the big leagues with the Blue Jays and Orioles from 2017-20 before struggling at Triple-A in the Reds organization in 2021.

Teoscar Hernandez gets a night off in place of Smith Jr. Called up on Wednesday, Smith Jr. has three hits in sit at-bats for Toronto from a previous stint with the Blue Jays, and the 25-year-old outfielder hit .278/.381/.411 with two homers and five steals over 24 games at Triple-A Buffalo.

Mallex Smith, whom the Reds just signed to a minor league contract, will the vacancy on the roster at Triple-A Louisville. Smith Jr. had slashed just .220/.327/.283 in 36 games this year for the Bats.

Smith signed a minor league deal with the Reds back in December after batting just .222 in 21 games last season with the Orioles.

Smith announced the news himself on his personal Twitter and Instagram pages. The 28-year-old outfielder slashed just .222/.306/.365 in 21 games (72 plate appearances) this past summer with the Orioles.

Smith was designated for assignment last week and passed through waivers unclaimed. The 27-year-old outfielder had batted .222/.306/.365 in 21 games this season for the Orioles.

Smith Jr. hit .222/.306/.365 in 21 games, and with the O’s looking firmly to the future they decided to see what Mason Williams can do instead. The 27-year-old will have to clear waivers to remain with the Orioles organization.

Smith had a nice run for the Orioles in the early part of last year, but hit .206/.274/.304 in 114 PA after June 30. This year, he’s at .222/.306/.365 in 72 PA. Maybe he’ll bounce back some, but given his defensive deficiencies - he’s secretly one of the game’s weakest outfielders - he’s fortunate to still have a roster spot.

Davis was not with the team on Wednesday and apparently isn’t going to be available on Thursday either. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde has declined to discuss any specifics about the absence. Renato Nunez will play first base and Dwight Smith Jr. is taking a turn at DH as the O’s wrap up a series with Yankees.