Dom Smith scratched from lineup after experiencing “general wrist soreness”

The Mets have scratched Dominic Smith from the lineup, manager Luis Rojas announced before the team’s 1:05pm game against the Marlins in Jupiter, Florida. Smith was originally slated to hit fifth and play left field, but he will miss the contest and is listed as day-to-day. Mallex Smith will take his place.

Dom Smith has been dealing with “general wrist soreness” during the spring, so the first baseman turned left fielder is taking the day off from hitting. He did get in some defensive work in left field earlier in the day, so it appears the scratch is mostly precautionary and is not too worrisome.

Smith played in yesterday’s game and launched a three-run home run to give the Mets a lead that they would not relinquish en route to an 8-3 victory over the Astros. It was his second long ball of the spring. He has gotten off to a slow start so far, slashing .182/.182/.455 in 22 at-bats.

The focus for Dom Smith this spring has been getting him acclimated to left field, so his ability to get some work in defensively this morning is still valuable, even if he couldn’t hit. Smith has mostly served as the designated hitter in game action so far as the team tries to ease him in to his new permanent position.