Braves outfielder Mallex Smith is no stranger to left field.
“I played in junior college, so it isn’t as big as a transition as you would think,” Smith said. “It is just kind of getting used to the angles off the ball.”
Since May 7, Smith has gotten his opportunities to impress. He has been primarily used as a left fielder since teammate Ender Inciarte returned from the disabled list.
The transition has gone smoothly. Smith has a couple of assists from left, including a putout he recorded by throwing out Milwaukee’s Keon Broxton at the plate Wednesday.
The play was a highlight for many of his teammates. It also caught the attention of Braves interim manager Brian Snitker, who also commended his enthusiasm in changing positions.
“I think that it’s been fine,” Snitker said. “It’s not a big of deal because these guys are ballplayers, and you could put any one of them anywhere on the diamond. That’s kind of today’s game is versatility. He told me I don’t care where you put me, as long as I can help the team win.”
While Smith has achieved in left, he acknowledges that he still needs a little refinement. Each day, Smith says he works on reacting to the ball and making better judgments in-game. He isn’t alone, as teammate Jeff Francoeur is around to offer a helping hand.
“When you get up here to Triple-A it is a different speed,” Francoeur said. “It is another speed up and guys are that much faster and stronger. I think he is adjusting really well.”
Francoeur can relate to Smith’s journey. Eleven years ago, he was among the “Baby Braves” cohort that entered the major leagues at young age. Francoeur was given the keys to right field and had to learn on the job. So, he welcomes the ability to offer advice because it will only help make Smith a better player.
“I try to tell him with how fast he is, his job is to get to first every time,” Francoeur said. “If he gets to first, he can get to second in a matter of pitches. And as far as the outfield, it’s when to throw to second base, hit the cutoff man or throw to home. It is all a part of the learning.”
Smith has taken Francoeur’s advice. This season, Smith has three home runs and recorded a .551 slugging percentage over his past 21 games. He also became the fourth player in franchise history to have a two-homer game from the ninth spot in the lineup.
Smith said he will continue to develop his relationship with Francoeur. He also hopes to keep the chemistry going through the rest of the season.
“Since I have gotten here, I have talked to Francoeur frequently,” Smith said. “We have had a lot of good conversations about developing an approach and strong mental toughness being here. He has shared so much knowledge with me.”
