The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a surprising move, designating Pavin Smith for assignment and recalling Ryan Waldschmidt from Triple-A Reno. This decision comes on the heels of a 3-1 win over the San Diego Padres, which tied a four-game series. It's a move that has left many fans and analysts alike scratching their heads, as Smith, a 2017 first-round draft pick, has been struggling at the plate this season.
Smith's performance has been a far cry from his potential. With a .141 batting average, .236 on-base percentage, and .428 OPS, he's failed to find his footing at the plate since missing time due to a left elbow injury. This is a stark contrast to his 2021 performance, where he had a career-best 27 doubles and 11 home runs in 498 at-bats. The Diamondbacks' decision to designate him for assignment is a clear indication that they are looking to make a change.
On the other hand, Waldschmidt, who made his big league debut earlier this season, has been performing well at the Triple-A level. With a .288 batting average, .405 on-base percentage, and .492 slugging percentage in 51 games, he's shown that he has the potential to contribute to the team. The Diamondbacks' decision to recall him is a strategic move, as it provides them with an option to fill a void in the lineup.
What makes this move particularly interesting is the potential impact it could have on the team's future. With the All-Star Break looming, the Diamondbacks are looking to make a push towards the postseason. By recalling Waldschmidt, they are sending a message that they are committed to winning and are willing to make bold moves to achieve their goals. However, the success of this move will depend on how well Waldschmidt performs in the big leagues and whether he can fill the void left by Smith.
In my opinion, the Diamondbacks' decision to designate Smith for assignment and recall Waldschmidt is a strategic move that could pay off. It shows that the team is committed to winning and is willing to make bold moves to achieve their goals. However, the success of this move will depend on how well Waldschmidt performs in the big leagues and whether he can fill the void left by Smith. Only time will tell if this move was the right one, but it's certainly an interesting development in the world of baseball.
