First we’ll clear up the common misconception that Dominic Smith necessarily will return to the Mets from Triple-A Syracuse after rosters are allowed to expand on Sept. 1.
Under terms of the latest collective bargaining agreement, rosters can expand from 26 players to 28 beginning in September and only one pitching addition is allowed. The days of rosters expanding to 40 players — with an endless supply of relievers — are over.
That brings us to Smith, who barring an injury that sends Daniel Vogelbach to the injured list (which might be in the realm of possibility given Vogelbach’s recent balky hamstring) quite possibly has played his last game for the Mets.
Smith, if he isn’t first traded, faces the reality he likely will be non-tendered by the club in the offseason. The fact Vogelbach’s contract contains a team-friendly option worth $1.5 million for next season essentially will squeeze out the 27-year-old Smith, who serves in the same role as a left-handed bat without a position on defense.
