Red Sox DFA Dominic Smith as Triston Casas returns

Field Level Media|published: 08/16/2024, 8:17pm EDT

Jul 29, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Dominic Smith (2) runs out the bases after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

The Red Sox designated first baseman Dominic Smith for assignment and reinstated first baseman Triston Casas from the 60-day injured list Friday.

They also activated right-handed pitcher Cooper Criswell from the IL and optioned righty Chase Shugart to Triple-A Worcester.

Smith, 29, slashed .237/.317/.390 for the Red Sox, with 20 doubles and six home runs in 278 plate appearances.

Once considered a top-100 prospect, Smith hasn't been able to live up to the billing. He opted out of a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays on May 1 before signing with the Red Sox. Now having been designated for assignment, he'll likely be either outrighted to the minors or released.

Casas, 24, also has been surrounded by plenty of hype since he was a first-round draft pick (26th overall) in 2018, checking in as MLB Pipeline's No. 23 prospect before last season. He posted an .856 OPS while hitting 24 homers and driving in 65 runs in his first full season in 2023, finishing third in American League Rookie of the Year voting, and had an .857 OPS in 22 games this season before torn cartilage in his left rib cage caused him to miss almost four months. He'll reclaim his starting job at first base and was slotted third in the Red Sox lineup Friday.

Criswell, 28, has made 18 appearances for the Red Sox this season, including 13 starts. He had a 4.02 ERA and 1.242 WHIP in 71 2/3 innings, with 17 walks and 56 strikeouts, before being placed on the COVID-19 IL on Aug 9. He pitched in relief for the Red Sox on Friday.

Shugart pitched in one game for Boston, allowing one run in 2 2/3 innings.

--Field Level Media