Dominic Smith's Clutch Hitting Sparks Atlanta Braves

The newly acquired first baseman has made an immediate impact with his timely hitting and veteran approach

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:08pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in the midst of a swing, with the field and stadium breaking down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, red, and white, capturing the dynamic energy of the game.Dominic Smith's clutch hitting has become a key part of the Braves' early-season success, as the veteran first baseman continues to deliver in big moments.Atlanta Today

Dominic Smith has been a revelation for the Atlanta Braves since joining the team just before the start of the season. The 28-year-old first baseman has delivered several clutch hits, including a walk-off grand slam, and is off to a scorching start at the plate with a 1.099 OPS and 15 RBIs in his first 14 games.

Why it matters

Smith's hot start has been a major boost for the Braves, who are looking to build on their success from last season. His veteran presence and professional hitting approach have quickly made him a fan favorite and a key part of the team's lineup.

The details

In Tuesday night's game, Smith came through with a bases-clearing double in the bottom of the eighth inning to give the Braves a 6-5 lead. Earlier in the game, he had an RBI single to get the Braves on the board. Smith's 1.099 OPS and 15 RBIs in his first 14 games are the best by a Braves player since Vaughn Grissom in 2022.

  • Smith signed with the Braves after spring training had already started.
  • He was initially in camp on a minor league contract and wasn't added to the roster until just before opening day.
  • In Tuesday's game, Smith delivered the go-ahead hit in the bottom of the eighth inning.

The players

Dominic Smith

A 28-year-old first baseman who was recently acquired by the Atlanta Braves and has gotten off to a scorching start, delivering several clutch hits and posting a 1.099 OPS in his first 14 games with the team.

Barry Bonds

The legendary MLB slugger who Smith had the opportunity to chat with while with the San Francisco Giants, providing valuable insight into the mindset of a professional hitter.

Chipper Jones

The former Braves star who has also shared his wisdom with Smith, advising him on the importance of setting up pitchers and having a game within the game approach.

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What they’re saying

“I'm taking it one day at a time, one moment at a time, and this team has welcomed me with open arms from day one, and it's just been a ride.”

— Dominic Smith

“I've always wanted to be a high-average guy, and I think if you're a high-average guy, that's when you kind of get labeled that professional hitter... Like I said, getting away from that early in my career kind of hurt me. So, I'm just trying to be who I am, and that's who I am.”

— Dominic Smith

“That's just helped my game. Like I said, I talked to Barry last year, and it was so crazy, like how his mind works. And you wouldn't even think some of the things how he thought when he attacked the game.”

— Dominic Smith

What’s next

Smith will look to continue his hot start as the Braves aim to build on their success from last season and make another deep playoff run.

The takeaway

Dominic Smith's immediate impact with the Braves has been a pleasant surprise, as the veteran first baseman has quickly established himself as a key part of the team's lineup with his clutch hitting and professional approach at the plate. His willingness to learn from elite minds like Barry Bonds and Chipper Jones has helped him refine his game and rediscover the high-average, tough-out approach that made him successful earlier in his career.