Kevan

Smith

Smith had been designated for assignment earlier in the week, but passed through waivers unclaimed. The 33-year-old will continue to function as organizational catching depth for the Braves.

This move frees up a 40-man roster spot for Travis d’Arnaud, who is recovered from his May thumb surgery and now off the 60-day injured list. Smith, 33, has batted just .168/.248/.200 in 33 games (106 plate appearances) this year between Tampa Bay and Atlanta.

Kevan Smith will start behind the plate and catch rookie Kyle Muller. Contreras should catch Ian Anderson in the second game.

Smith drew the start in this one after William Contreras caught the opener. He didn’t bring much to the table on offense -- though as a team the Braves totaled just one run on four hits in the ballgame. The 32-year-old backstop is slashing just .207/.281/.207 with a 12/3 K/BB ratio over 33 plate appearances on the season.

Smith was designated for assignment by Tampa Bay on Sunday, having appeared in just three games at the major league level this season for the Rays. The 32-year-old will add some depth at the catcher position for the Braves, who are probably going to be without Travis d’Arnaud (thumb) until at least mid-to-late August.

The 32-year-old was promoted on May 7 in order to have extra catching depth with Francisco Mejia on the injured list. Unfortunately for Smith, Mejia was activated from the injured list Sunday which resulted in the veteran catcher being designated for assignment after going 1-for-4 over three appearances with Tampa Bay.

The Rays had a spot open on the active roster with Ryan Yarbrough heading to the COVID-19 injured list on Friday, so they’ll call up Smith from the taxi squad to have some extra catching depth while Francisco Mejia deals with an intercostal injury. His stay with the big league club isn’t likely to last long.

Smith won’t be on the Opening Day roster, but the Rays did get good news on the catcher’s back injury. He is expected to resume baseball activities soon.

It’s a different back issue than what Smith dealt with earlier this spring. Any chance the non-roster invitee had of making the Opening Day roster is obviously gone.

Smith’s injury is considered minor and he should be able to return to the Rays’ lineup soon. The 32-year-old veteran backstop inked a minor-league deal this offseason and is vying to serve as Mike Zunino’s primary backup this season.