CINCINNATI — Dominic Smith’s stint at Triple-A Syracuse last month may have recharged him mentally, but a byproduct was an examination of his stance.
Once comfortable with an open stance, Smith had become more closed over time.
Smith has reverted to a more open stance, and early results have followed. He entered Tuesday’s game against the Reds on a 7-for-21 (.333) hot streak since his return to the Mets, which included four doubles.
A night earlier he stroked a two-run double in the sixth inning that allowed the Mets to extend their lead against the Reds.
“I kind of got back comfortable and opened up, and now I am able to lower my hips and stay on my back side,” Smith said. “So it’s working out well, and I am able to swing when I want to so that is the hardest part of the game.
“When I am starting closed, my first movement is flying open, so I think [opening up] is what’s letting me stay on pitches, stay through curveballs, stay through breaking balls and hit the ball hard consistently.”
Smith’s resurrection is occurring as the Mets consider possible options that might upgrade the team before the Aug. 2 trade deadline. If Smith still isn’t viewed as part of the solution, he could at least enhance his trade value.
Overall, entering play, Smith owned a .215/.295/.308 slash line with 16 RBIs. Approaching is the one-year anniversary of his last home run, a blast at Cincinnati last July 21.
Smith is at least making a case for additional playing time with his recent surge.
“I thought since the day he got back that he has a different look about his swing, and he’s hitting with some malice,” manager Buck Showalter said. “He’s getting in there and turning it loose and going for it a little bit. He’s been a shot in the arm.”
Not only was Smith allowed to hit against a lefty reliever Monday, but he delivered with a double that gave the Mets two needed runs.
“I know that is something that has been my whole career,” Smith said. “You get in that situation and they call for the lefty, so to come through like that it’s definitely a good feeling and a good sign that I am able to stay in my legs and stay through the ball.”
Smith was on the trade block last winter and into spring training, when the Mets considered sending him to the Padres in a deal that would have netted pitcher Chris Paddack.
His playing time limited — and his production lagging — Smith was optioned to Syracuse on May 31 in part to give the Mets another reliever. Smith produced a .266/.347/.438 slash line in 15 games in Syracuse before his return June 20.
“I’m just trying to stay ready throughout the game,” Smith said. “There’s some situations where I come in and pinch hit, so really try to take advantage of those moments as well. Every day I know it’s going to be a different road, a different challenge, but I am excited. This team is a great team and I am just trying to be ready.”