HOUSTON — On “Sunday Night Baseball,” Gavin Sheets’ sinking line drive sailed away from Cam Smith, the precocious Houston Astros prospect playing out of position. Smith’s natural home is third base, where reactions must arrive milliseconds after contact is made. Right field features no such rush.
“I can kind of hang out, read it, and then get to my spot,” Smith said. “I realized that early on that I have so much more time than I think.”
Advertisement
Sheets struck the baseball at 104.4 mph, hastening a process Smith is still trying to refine. His introduction to right field has felt flawless, even amid some missteps an outsider won’t observe.
“He’ll be able to make up for his mistakes when he’s out there,” said first base coach Dave Clark, one of the Astros’ two outfield instructors. “There’s been some balls I’ve seen hit where I’m like ‘Oooh, my God, how did he catch that?’ And it’s basically because of his speed.”
Smith covers 29.1 feet per second when he sprints, faster than all but three major-league right fielders. His absurd athleticism is part of what made the Astros comfortable conducting this experiment with such an inexperienced player. None of Smith’s first 47 chances in right field offered a better validation of it than this.
Smith scurried toward the foul line while Sheets’ fly ball descended toward the turf. Before it did, Smith stretched his left arm as far as anatomy allows. The baseball landed in his glove.
“I was like ‘Oh shoot, I can cover some ground,’” Smith said with a wide smile. “That reassures me I can play there.”
Cam Smith showing off the range 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4qNgkR4QnT
— ESPN (@espn) April 21, 2025
Smith’s bosses require no such reinforcement.
“Really and truly, it looks like he’s been out there his whole freakin’ career,” Clark said. “He looks really smooth, very agile.”
“It’s been very seamless, and his athletic ability has so much to do with it.”
Smith’s play in right field across the first month of the season has exceeded most expectations inside the Astros’ organization, prompting it to explore expanding his role as an outfielder.
Smith took fly balls in center field before Monday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, beginning an effort to increase Houston’s roster flexibility while it attempts to address a sputtering offense.
Advertisement
“When you break down what makes a good center fielder, you’re going to see reactions, routes, speed and an arm. So far, he’s shown the ability to do all those things,” outfield coach Jason Bell said. “I know it’s early, but from the early signs, you can see the chance that he would have to do that if that was a possibility.”
Putting the possibility into proper perspective is paramount. The Astros are not contemplating a complete position change, but are hoping that Smith can become a serviceable option in center field to create more maneuverability within a lineup mired in a season-long slump.
That a stretch of 17 consecutive games looms from May 9 to May 25 is part of the rationale in exposing Smith to center field. So is the increasing desire to get Zach Dezenzo more involved in a lineup in desperate need of a spark.
Dezenzo, who doubled twice during Monday’s win, is limited to playing the corner spots in the infield and outfield. Having Smith as an option in center field could open right field for Dezenzo, who would raise the floor of a lineup that entered Tuesday’s game with baseball’s sixth-lowest OPS.
This is not to suggest Smith will suddenly become the everyday center fielder. Getting him in a position to play perhaps once a week would be ideal, but this is all fluid. To say this process is in its infancy doesn’t do it adequate justice.
There is a chance Smith never logs an inning in center field, especially if Jake Meyers can maintain his encouraging offensive start. Meyers, however, is a man with a career 86 OPS+ across 1,246 major-league plate appearances. He authored a similar beginning to last season before a second-half free fall left him with a .219/.286/.360 slash line.
Meyers is not on this roster to hit, but his shortcomings are magnified when those who are supposed to perform. Christian Walker, Yainer Diaz or Yordan Alvarez finding ways to bump their OPS above .700 — or, in Diaz’s case, above .500 — will enact more meaningful change than starting a center field carousel. Still, a lineup with Smith and Dezenzo offers more offensive upside than one with Smith and Meyers.
Advertisement
Though Smith has shown flashes of brilliance, he can not approach Meyers’ magnificence in the outfield, a fact Espada must weigh while contemplating these decisions. Meyers is a reigning American League Gold Glove finalist and one of the sport’s best defensive center fielders.
Meyers has drawn acclaim this season for his growing voice and leadership while surrounded by Smith and Jose Altuve, the two converted infielders starting alongside him in the outfield. Meyers ranks second among all major-league outfielders with three outs above average, according to Statcast.
Smith entered Tuesday’s game worth one out above average and, according to Sports Info Solutions, three defensive runs saved. How much of the success is rooted in a small sample is a legitimate question this coaching staff must ponder over the next few weeks.
“He hasn’t gotten a whole lot of challenging balls yet. He’s gotten a few, but I think we’ll see a lot more as the season goes on,” Bell said. “His routes in general are good. His reactions are great. He has speed. So far, everything points to good signs.”
“One of the difficulties is sustaining it throughout the season. It’s an art. It’s also a skill.”
One Smith is ready to embrace.
“I still love the infield. They get the most action and are involved in everything, but I’m starting to get a love for the outfield as well. It’s very fun, honestly. I didn’t think it would be this fun,” Smith said.
“I love to show off my arm, show off the speed I have, and I think I can put that on display in the outfield a lot more than third base.”
(Photo: Alex Slitz / Getty Images)
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Jeff Ulbirch’s Kid Should Face Some Consequences for Shedeur Sanders Prank Call
Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Former Colorado Buffaloes player Shedeur Sanders during his number retirement ceremony before the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Former Colorado superstar quarterback and NFL Draft survivor Shedeur Sanders had to deal with a pretty public prank call during his dramatic slide this weekend. Sanders, who was projected to be a mid-to-late first-round draft pick, fell into Day 2, where he still wasn’t selected. On Friday evening, during a livestream, Sanders was prank called in a viral video that was clipped and widely shared on social media. For whatever reason, the prank callers elected to share a video of their stunt online. It took internet sleuths all of five minutes to identify one of the individuals in the video as Jax Ulbrich, the 21-year-old son of Atlanta Falcons defensive […]
Bucks star Damian Lillard leaves Game 4 with leg injury, will not return
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard left Sunday night’s NBA playoff game against the Indiana Pacers with a lower leg injury and will not return.With 6:11 left in the first quarter, Gary Trent Jr. missed a 3 from the right wing. The long rebound bounced off the floor near the top of the key, and Lillard made a break for it. As he broke back towards the ball, his legs went out from underneath him. Lillard managed to tap the ball to Trent for an offensive rebound, but immediately crumpled to the floor.AdvertisementAs he lay on his back, Lillard reached for his left foot with both arms and then sat on the other end of the floor as the Bucks committed a foul to get a stoppage in play. Once that stoppage occurred, Kyle Kuzma and Doc Rivers made their way […]
Damian Lillard won’t return after leaving Bucks-Pacers Game 4 with leg injury
<!--> Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard has left Game 4 of an Eastern Conference first-round playoff series with the Indiana Pacers after hurting his lower left leg in the first quarter.Lillard was helped off the floor and into the locker room after suffering the non-contact injury. The Bucks announced he won't return to the game. There is fear that Lillard suffered a torn Achilles, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.The seven-time all-NBA player was behind the 3-point line when the ball bounced toward him. Lillard used his left hand to tip the ball toward teammate Gary Trent Jr., then went down and grabbed the lower part of his left leg, around his ankle. He continued to sit on the floor as play resumed on the other end of the court.ADVERTISEMENT -->After a foul stopped play, Milwaukee’s Kyle Kuzma helped Lillard […]
Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin among those feeling helpless after Talladega
Bob Pockrass FOX Motorsports Insider <!--> TALLADEGA, Ala. — The races at Talladega Superspeedway typically end with dicey moves that result in big blocks and wrecks — or near wrecks.None of that happened on Sunday, as drivers out front stayed in a two-by-two formation all the way to the finish line. It’s not like none of the drivers who crossed the finish line after winner Austin Cindric weren’t prepared to make the moves. They just could never push their way into position.Did Ryan Preece (who crossed the line second but ended up disqualified following technical inspection), Kyle Larson (second) or William Byron (third) let a potential win slip away? ADVERTISEMENT -->It didn’t appear so.Larson, pushing Cindric in the inside lane, never pushed Cindric far enough ahead of Preece (on the outside) where Larson could then cut in front of Byron. Byron couldn’t […]
Phillies get two in 10th, win series from Cubs
Apr 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola (27) throws the ball against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images Trea Turner went 3-for-5 with two RBIs and Aaron Nola threw seven solid innings as the visiting Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Chicago Cubs 3-1 in 10 innings on Sunday. Nola allowed one run on three hits and a walk while striking out seven. Jose Alvarado (3-0) struck out one in a clean ninth inning to earn the win, and Jordan Romano did the same in the 10th for his second save of the season. The Phillies took the final two games of the three-game series. Cubs reliever Julian Merryweather (0-1) allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit in two-thirds of one inning. Starter Jameson Taillon gave up one […]
Fantasy Baseball 2-Start Pitcher Rankings: Top options are far from perfect, but can help you this week
Overall, this is a solid week for two-start pitchers. There are two men atop the list who have been red-hot of late, and a hurler behind them should also be productive. Lower on the list, there are a handful of risk-reward options. On the hitting side, the Reds and Braves will provide several excellent streamers.Two-Start Pitchers (listed in order of preference)JP Sears, Athletics, 18% (@TEX, @MIA)Small steps with his walk and strikeout rates have helped Sears to enjoy major improvements in his ratios (3.21 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) so far this season. I’m not fully buying into the improvement, as he still lacks a dominant arsenal and struggles to put batters away. And in the long run, the hitter-friendly nature of the Athletics’ temporary home park will catch up with someone like Sears, who allows plenty of fly balls. But I’m […]
Related
Jeff Ulbirch’s Kid Should Face Some Consequences for Shedeur Sanders Prank Call
Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Former Colorado Buffaloes player Shedeur Sanders during his number retirement ceremony before the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Former Colorado superstar quarterback and NFL Draft survivor Shedeur Sanders had to deal with a pretty public prank call during his dramatic slide this weekend. Sanders, who was projected to be a mid-to-late first-round draft pick, fell into Day 2, where he still wasn’t selected. On Friday evening, during a livestream, Sanders was prank called in a viral video that was clipped and widely shared on social media. For whatever reason, the prank callers elected to share a video of their stunt online. It took internet sleuths all of five minutes to identify one of the individuals in the video as Jax Ulbrich, the 21-year-old son of Atlanta Falcons defensive […]
Bucks star Damian Lillard leaves Game 4 with leg injury, will not return
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard left Sunday night’s NBA playoff game against the Indiana Pacers with a lower leg injury and will not return.With 6:11 left in the first quarter, Gary Trent Jr. missed a 3 from the right wing. The long rebound bounced off the floor near the top of the key, and Lillard made a break for it. As he broke back towards the ball, his legs went out from underneath him. Lillard managed to tap the ball to Trent for an offensive rebound, but immediately crumpled to the floor.AdvertisementAs he lay on his back, Lillard reached for his left foot with both arms and then sat on the other end of the floor as the Bucks committed a foul to get a stoppage in play. Once that stoppage occurred, Kyle Kuzma and Doc Rivers made their way […]
Damian Lillard won’t return after leaving Bucks-Pacers Game 4 with leg injury
<!--> Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard has left Game 4 of an Eastern Conference first-round playoff series with the Indiana Pacers after hurting his lower left leg in the first quarter.Lillard was helped off the floor and into the locker room after suffering the non-contact injury. The Bucks announced he won't return to the game. There is fear that Lillard suffered a torn Achilles, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.The seven-time all-NBA player was behind the 3-point line when the ball bounced toward him. Lillard used his left hand to tip the ball toward teammate Gary Trent Jr., then went down and grabbed the lower part of his left leg, around his ankle. He continued to sit on the floor as play resumed on the other end of the court.ADVERTISEMENT -->After a foul stopped play, Milwaukee’s Kyle Kuzma helped Lillard […]
Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin among those feeling helpless after Talladega
Bob Pockrass FOX Motorsports Insider <!--> TALLADEGA, Ala. — The races at Talladega Superspeedway typically end with dicey moves that result in big blocks and wrecks — or near wrecks.None of that happened on Sunday, as drivers out front stayed in a two-by-two formation all the way to the finish line. It’s not like none of the drivers who crossed the finish line after winner Austin Cindric weren’t prepared to make the moves. They just could never push their way into position.Did Ryan Preece (who crossed the line second but ended up disqualified following technical inspection), Kyle Larson (second) or William Byron (third) let a potential win slip away? ADVERTISEMENT -->It didn’t appear so.Larson, pushing Cindric in the inside lane, never pushed Cindric far enough ahead of Preece (on the outside) where Larson could then cut in front of Byron. Byron couldn’t […]
Phillies get two in 10th, win series from Cubs
Apr 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola (27) throws the ball against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images Trea Turner went 3-for-5 with two RBIs and Aaron Nola threw seven solid innings as the visiting Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Chicago Cubs 3-1 in 10 innings on Sunday. Nola allowed one run on three hits and a walk while striking out seven. Jose Alvarado (3-0) struck out one in a clean ninth inning to earn the win, and Jordan Romano did the same in the 10th for his second save of the season. The Phillies took the final two games of the three-game series. Cubs reliever Julian Merryweather (0-1) allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit in two-thirds of one inning. Starter Jameson Taillon gave up one […]
Fantasy Baseball 2-Start Pitcher Rankings: Top options are far from perfect, but can help you this week
Overall, this is a solid week for two-start pitchers. There are two men atop the list who have been red-hot of late, and a hurler behind them should also be productive. Lower on the list, there are a handful of risk-reward options. On the hitting side, the Reds and Braves will provide several excellent streamers.Two-Start Pitchers (listed in order of preference)JP Sears, Athletics, 18% (@TEX, @MIA)Small steps with his walk and strikeout rates have helped Sears to enjoy major improvements in his ratios (3.21 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) so far this season. I’m not fully buying into the improvement, as he still lacks a dominant arsenal and struggles to put batters away. And in the long run, the hitter-friendly nature of the Athletics’ temporary home park will catch up with someone like Sears, who allows plenty of fly balls. But I’m […]
Be the first to leave a comment