If Braves rookie outfielder Mallex Smith were with the big-league club now he’d be no better than the fourth outfielder behind three veterans and he wouldn’t be hitting lead-off.
In that sense, it’s fortuitous that Smith’s rehabilitation assignment with Double-A Mississippi has been extended with the M-Braves in the playoffs. Braves interim manager Brian Snitker said the plan is for Smith to stay with the team through the conclusion of the best-of-five Southern League championship series, which would be Saturday at the latest.
Smith went on the disabled list in June after he suffered a fractured left thumb when hit by a pitch.