Dwight Smith Jr. outrighted to alternate camp site

Outfielder Dwight Smith Jr. is staying in the Orioles organization.

Smith has cleared waivers and been outrighted to the alternate camp site in Bowie, according to an industry source.

The 60-man pool is holding 58 players. It had been reduced to 57 with left-hander Wade LeBlanc going on the 60-day injured list.

The Orioles designated Smith for assignment on Saturday and selected outfielder Mason Williams' contract from the secondary camp.

Smith was batting .222/.306/.365 with three doubles and two home runs in 21 games. His relinquished his hold on the left field job, which has been passed along to rookie Ryan Mountcastle.

Mountcastle had two more hits last night and is 6-for-16 with two doubles, four walks and six strikeouts.

It's been a struggle for Smith since his late arrival at summer training camp due to a positive test for COVID-19. He was able to make the opening day roster despite limited at-bats.

Smith had gone 2-for-18 in his last six games and 4-for-26 in his last eight. He also misplayed a few balls in left.

The Orioles placed Smith on waivers and could have traded him if able to find a partner. Instead, he's headed to Prince George's Stadium and provides an outfield option and left-handed bat.

Executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias and manager Brandon Hyde said in separate Zoom conference calls that they hoped Smith would stay in the organization.

Smith was acquired from the Blue Jays in March 2019 for international bonus slot money. He appeared in 101 games that season and batted .241/.297/.412 with 16 doubles, three triples, 13 home runs and 53 RBIs in 392 plate appearances.

Meanwhile, no word yet on whether shortstop José Iglesias is coming off the injured list and whether the Orioles and Rays will play tonight at Tropicana Field.

The Phillies have elected to not play tonight against the Nationals in D.C. and the Athletics-Rangers game also is postponed as players protest the police shooting of Jacob Blake Sunday in Kenosha, Wis.

The Orioles planned on meeting again today to discuss the situation.