Pavin Smith News: Batting lower in order

Smith batted eighth and went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Monday's 9-5 win over the Dodgers.

Smith has mostly batted out of the No. 3 spot in 2025, but in his last three starts, he was placed sixth (twice) and eighth (once). Lourdes Gurriel has been elevated to third in the order. Perhaps a recent slump triggered the move down the order, but Smith has been hitting well recently -- he's 12-for-32 over last nine contests -- and maintains a role as the team's designated hitter whenever the Diamondbacks face a right-handed starter.