PORT ST. LUCIE — Buck Showalter mentioned earlier this week that Dominic Smith obtained “un-Dom-like” final season.
It seems the Mets first baseman/left fielder could have had a very good cause for that: a partially torn labrum in his proper shoulder.
Smith mentioned on Friday that it was essential to him to play via the damage and never make a giant deal about it — he additionally performed via wrist and groin accidents that had been beforehand disclosed — however that he wouldn’t make the identical mistake once more sooner or later.
“I’m glad I’m wholesome now,” Smith mentioned. “That’s most likely one thing I received’t do sooner or later, taking part in [through] stuff like that, as a result of I wasn’t capable of play effectively via it. However I’m simply joyful that I’m right here, I’m joyful the Mets nonetheless worth me and I can’t wait to get on the market and play.”
Smith, a possible commerce candidate throughout the offseason, nonetheless performed in 145 video games final season however hit simply .244 with 11 dwelling runs and an 84 OPS-plus (100 being league common). It was a far cry from 2019-2020, when he mixed to hit .299 with 21 dwelling runs and a 150 OPS-plus throughout 139 video games. Whereas Smith mentioned he additionally struggled with chasing dangerous pitches final season, the partially torn labrum additionally impacted the comply with via on his swing.
“If you happen to guys watch video, my complete profession I might end with one arm,” he mentioned. “However final yr you'll see after the primary month, I began ending with two arms. That was as a result of I had the [subluxation] in my shoulder.
Smith mentioned he has not gotten an MRI examination to see if the labrum has absolutely healed. However he regarded lots wholesome when he hit two dwelling runs off Max Scherzer in a simulated recreation Wednesday.
The damage — first reported by SI.com — didn't require offseason surgical procedure, however as a substitute a mixture of relaxation and bodily remedy to strengthen the world round it.
Showalter mentioned Friday he hoped Smith would deal with the same damage scenario “in another way” if it occurs once more, however credited him for not utilizing it as an excuse.
“Clearly if I’m in ache I’m not going to attempt to push it,” Smith mentioned. “But it surely’s simply one thing as a younger child, my dad at all times taught me should you can play, should you’re not damage to the purpose the place you want surgical procedure, then you must go on the market and carry out. That’s one thing that’s at all times caught with me. I’ve heard of Wally Pipp and that story, in order that’s at all times caught with me.
“However clearly it affected my play an excessive amount of final yr and it’s one thing I’m going to be smarter about sooner or later.”
Post a Comment