PHOENIX – Pavin Smith is no longer just another struggling hitter in the Arizona Diamondbacks ' lineup, and every start comes with fans roasting the decision. The reactions on social media are filled with frustration about what fans think of the team's decision-making.
Jul 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona , USA; Arizona first baseman Smith reacts after hitting into an inning ending double play in the eighth against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Smith is hitting .151 with 13 hits and one home run this season, numbers that would make any extended opportunity difficult to defend. The confusion only grew after Arizona recently designated him for assignment, only for him to return and find himself back in the starting lineup. That decision has not exactly been met with patience. When the lineup is released and Smith's name appears, social media reactions have turned increasingly hostile. Fans see an inconsistent hitter occupying valuable at-bats on a team trying to remain relevant in the playoff race. Arizona is 1-3 since his return, adding another layer to the frustration, even if Smith cannot single-handedly explain those results.
Jun 7, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Arizona first baseman Smith (26) throws to first to get Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jake Fraley (not pictured) out in the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
The bigger issue is accountability. The Diamondbacks recently moved on from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. because his production was not meeting expectations. That makes Smith's continued opportunities especially difficult for fans to reconcile. If performance determines playing time, why does that standard appear inconsistent? That is the question Arizona must answer. Smith is not responsible for every offensive problem, but his presence has become symbolic of a lineup that fans believe cannot afford passengers. In a playoff chase, struggling through a few games is understandable. Repeatedly prioritizing a .151 hitter, however, invites scrutiny about the process behind the decision.
Aug 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona first baseman Smith tosses his bat after striking out in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
If the D-backs miss the postseason by a close margin for a third consecutive year, the decision to start Pavin Smith in these crucial matchups, and the people continuing to put him in the lineup, will be attached to that frustration once the season ends.
