The Atlanta Braves no longer have the comfortable cushion they once enjoyed in the National League East race.
Entering Monday, the Philadelphia Phillies had cut the deficit to just two games despite beginning the season with a disastrous 9-19 record, while the surging Miami Marlins sat only four games behind after an impressive June.
With pressure mounting heading into the second half, Atlanta could explore roster changes in an effort to maintain its hold on first place. One player who may find himself on the chopping block is veteran designated hitter/outfielder Dominic Smith.
According to FanSided’s Christopher Kline, Smith’s role with the Braves has become increasingly difficult to justify.
While he opened the season on a high note, batting .339 in April and .310 in May, his offensive production has fallen sharply in recent months.
Smith struggled through June, posting a .508 OPS with just one home run, and his numbers continued to decline in July.
Since the beginning of June, he has managed only a .490 OPS, raising concerns about his value in a lineup that needs more consistent production.
Defensively, Smith offers limited flexibility, particularly with Matt Olson entrenched at first base. As a result, his primary responsibility is providing offense, something he has failed to do consistently over the last several weeks.
Kline noted that injuries have helped keep Smith in the designated hitter role because Atlanta is short on reliable right-handed bats, but his recent performance has made his roster spot increasingly vulnerable.
Adding to Atlanta’s offensive concerns is the lack of production from shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. With both players struggling at the plate, the Braves have been forced to carry two underperforming bats in the lineup during a crucial stretch of the season.
As the trade deadline approaches and the division race tightens, Atlanta may decide that significant changes are necessary, leaving both Smith and Kim as potential candidates to be moved or replaced in the coming weeks.
