A Red Sox fan favorite has been designated for assignment to make room for another Red Sox fan favorite.
The team announced Friday afternoon that Triston Casas was being reinstated from the 60-Day Injured List, and will immediately start for the team at first base Friday night against the Orioles.
The team also announced that first baseman Dom Smith was being designated for assignment, ending his time in Boston - for now - as the team looks to make room for Casas.
When a player is designated for assignment, they are removed from the team's 40-man roster, giving the team flexibility to address roster needs. Within seven days of the DFA, the team must do one of the following:
- Return the player to the 40-man roster
- Place the player on waivers
- Trade the player
- Release the player
- Send outright to the minors
So at the moment - fear not! There is a universe where Smith is back in Boston at some point this season.
But with Casas returning, Smith was the logical choice to send packing. For a team that is already full of left-handed hitting players, keeping Smith in addition to Casas would not be an efficient use of the roster spot.
Through 83 games this season, Smith batted .237 with 6 home runs and 34 RBI in 249 plate appearances. He had an on-base percentage of .317 and slugged .390.
Casas has been out since April 21 with torn cartilage in his rib cage, and has been rehabbing with the Worcester Red Sox over the last few weeks. In 10 games with the WooSox, he batted .270 with seven extra base hits.
Last season, for a stretch, Casas was arguably the best offensive player on the Red Sox, batting .263 with 24 home runs and 65 RBI in 2023. He finished third in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
Although hitting has not been the primary issue for Boston during an up-and-down second half of the season, adding Casas’ bat to any lineup is a welcome addition.
So as one colorful personality returns, another one departs.