When Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar was suspended for the entirety of 2026, there was certainly fear that the team's offense would face the same struggles they had in 2025. The team had signed Dominic Smith to a minor league deal, but Smith's last few seasons hadn't necessarily inspired confidence.
Fast forward three weeks, and not only did Smith make a loud announcement on Opening Weekend by hitting a walk-off grand slam, but he has continued to be one of the Braves best hitters to start the season.
Smith owe's part of his success to manager Walt Weiss's savvy platooning, but with Sean Murphy and Ha-Seong Kim's returns right around the corner, there might not be as much opportunity for him to continue playing regularly.
Dominic Smith has been platooned absolutely perfectly by Walt Weiss and the Braves
Last season, Smith was a 111 wRC+ hitter with the Giants, slashing .284/.333/.417. With his defensive limitations, he would come out to be slightly above replacement level, according to WAR. However, his splits were far more drastic. In 27 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers, Smith only reach base six times, slashing .200/.259/.280. Against righties, Smith was far better, slashing .296/.343./436.
Coming into the season, it was clear that Walt Weiss had a game plan for Smith: keep him away from left-handed pitching at all costs. So far, they have stuck to that plan. Smith has only started 11 of the Braves 18 games, sitting against lefties. He's been pinch-hit for in three of these starts, including in the Braves 13-1 victory of the Guardians, where Weiss turned to Kyle Farmer in the fifth inning.
So far, Smith has only faced one lefty in 2026, facing Hogan Harris in the sixth inning with no out and no one on. Smith struck out in four pitches. The other 40 plate appearances Smith has had in a Braves uniform has come in a position where he had the platoon advantage.
This has worked out very well. Coming into Tuesday's game, Smith had the second-highest xBA in baseball, and the 23rd-highest xSLG, two points ahead of Shohei Ohtani. He then proceeded to go 3-4 with two well-hit singles and the go-ahead double against the Marlins.
The Braves have had no issue fitting Smith into the lineup with Sean Murphy and Ha-Seong Kim out with injury. Drake Baldwin has slid over to DH against lefties, allowing him to get off his feet while switch-hitter Jonah Heim takes over catching duties.
However, with Murphy beginning his rehab and Kim not far behind, Weiss will have to make the difficult decision over what to do with the Braves hottest hitter. Murphy, theoretically could take over Heim's the playing time, but with Mauricio Dubon getting moved into a utility role, it might be harder for Smith to draw regular starts.
Atlanta is still a few weeks out from needing to make the final decision, so for now, Weiss will continue shielding Smith away from lefties as he feasts off of righties.
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