Casas reinstated from IL; Dom Smith DFA'd

BALTIMORE -- The Red Sox got a big bat back for the stretch run as first baseman Triston Casas was activated from the 60-day injured list on Friday.

Dominic Smith, who had been getting most of the playing time at first base during the absence of Casas, was designated for assignment to make room for Casas.

The left-handed-hitting slugger last played for the Red Sox on April 20, before being shut down with torn cartilage in his left rib cage.

He returns for the second of a four-game series against the Orioles at Camden Yards on a night ace Corbin Burnes is starting for Baltimore.

Casas started a Minor League rehab assignment for Triple-A Worcester on July 31, during which he slashed .300/.404/.550 with one homer and seven RBIs over 11 games and 40 at-bats.

While it might take Casas a bit to get his timing back, his mere presence in the lineup should help the Red Sox at a time Rafael Devers have slumped lately and Tyler O’Neill is still a couple of days away from returning from a left leg infection that forced him to the 10-day injured list.

The Red Sox have lost six of their last eight games, but are still in the thick of the American League Wild Card race, trailing the Royals by 2 1/2 games for the third spot.

Considering all the injuries the Red Sox have endured, they’ve done well to stay in contention.

Other reinforcements are expected at some point in September, including a couple of former All-Stars in shortstop Trevor Story and righty reliever Liam Hendriks.

In 22 games before his injury, Casas had a line of .244/.344/.513 with six homers and 10 RBIs.

Backed by a strong second half in ’23, Casas finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year race. In 122 games, his rookie-season line was .263/.367/.490 with 24 homers and 65 RBIs.