Dominic Smith: Expected to sign with Boston

Smith is expected to sign a major-league contract with the Red Sox, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Garrett Cooper exited Tuesday's game versus the Giants after being hit on the right wrist by a pitch, but Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican hears Cooper is expected to be fine. Smith instead looks like a replacement for Bobby Dalbec, and he could end up forming a platoon at first base with the righty-hitting Cooper. Smith had been at Triple-A Durham in the Rays organization before requesting and being granted his release Wednesday. The 28-year-old first baseman hit only .254/.326/.366 with 12 home runs over 153 games with the Nationals last season.