MIAMI -- The Braves today placed outfielder Mallex Smith on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured left thumb and recalled Emilio Bonifacio from Triple-A Gwinnett.
Smith left Sunday's finale against the Mets in the seventh inning after taking an Antonio Bastardo fastball off his left hand. The rookie is expected to miss 8-10 weeks of action.
Bonifacio will likely take over Smith's role in left field. The versatile 31-year-old was hitting .270 with 23 stolen bases in 57 games for the Gwinnett Braves.
Patrick Pinak is a reporter for MLB.