Diamondbacks Send Pavin Smith to Triple-A After Waiver Clearance
The Diamondbacks moved on from first baseman Pavin Smith on Tuesday, outrighting him to their Triple-A affiliate in Reno after he cleared waivers. The move comes days after Arizona designated Smith for assignment, beginning the process of removing him from the 40-man roster.
Smith's Options Limited. As a player with at least three years of major league service time, Smith has the right to reject the outright assignment and elect free agency instead. However, the organization indicated he's unlikely to exercise that option, suggesting he'll accept the demotion to continue his professional career in the minors.
End of an Arizona Chapter. The decision reflects a broader reshuffling of the Diamondbacks' roster as the team approaches the trade deadline period. Smith never fully established himself as a cornerstone at the position, and Arizona's front office has evidently decided to look elsewhere for production from the first base spot.
What's Next. Smith's departure opens roster flexibility for the Snakes heading into late July and August. Whether Arizona uses that spot to acquire depth or develop another prospect remains to be seen, but the team's willingness to move on suggests they're making decisions aimed at improving their competitive window.
Source: original report ↗