Braves DH Dominic Smith making mark where he can — at the plate

Veteran first baseman and outfielder finding success in role as the Braves' primary designated hitter.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:06pm

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After making the team as a nonroster invitee to spring training, the veteran first baseman and outfielder Dominic Smith is finding success as the Braves' primary designated hitter, with two home runs, six RBIs and a team-leading 1.010 OPS among Braves players with 20 or more at-bats.

Why it matters

Smith's emergence as the Braves' primary DH is noteworthy, as the nine-year veteran was not guaranteed a roster spot coming into the season and has carved out an important role for himself on the team through his performance at the plate.

The details

Ten games into the 2026 season, Smith has not seen the field on defense for the Braves, as he has become the team's primary designated hitter, a somewhat remarkable development for the veteran who was a nonroster invitee to spring training.

  • The 2026 MLB season began in early April.

The players

Dominic Smith

A veteran first baseman and outfielder who made the Braves' roster as a nonroster invitee to spring training and has become the team's primary designated hitter.

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The takeaway

Smith's successful transition to the designated hitter role, despite not being guaranteed a roster spot coming into the season, demonstrates his ability to adapt and contribute to the team in a new way, making the most of the opportunity presented to him.