Mets option Dominic Smith to Triple-A amid struggles

One of the reasons the New York Mets designated eight-time All-Star Robinson Cano for assignment earlier this month was so individuals such as first baseman and outfielder Dominic Smith could receive additional at-bats and playing time. Smith has struggled mightily since that move, though, and the Mets made a tough yet necessary decision ahead of Tuesday's home game against the Washington Nationals. 

Per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), the Mets optioned Smith to Triple-A Syracuse. In a corresponding roster move, New York promoted right-hander Adonis Medina to the active roster. 

According to the club's website, this will be Smith's first stint in the minor leagues since 2019. The 26-year-old was hitting .186 for the big-league team before Tuesday's development, and he had slashed .130/.226/.217 over his past 19 games. Smith hasn't homered once this season. 

The AP notes that Smith's demotion leaves a roster spot for 25-year-old outfielder Nick Plummer. Plummer tallied four RBI in Monday's 13-5 thrashing of Washington that improved the first-place Mets to 33-17 on the campaign. 

The Mets swept the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend and currently hold a 9.5-game lead over the second-place Atlanta Braves in the National League East standings heading into Tuesday evening.