Pavin Smith: Everything you need to know

Smith entered Thursday's game to play first base after Ildemaro Vargas (thigh) was removed in the fifth inning. Smith went 0-for-1 in a 3-2 win over the Dodgers. The lefty-hitting Smith would not have been the first choice as a replacement with Dodgers southpaw Justin Wrobleski still on the mound, but Jose Fernandez was already in the game as the DH. The Diamondbacks typically limit Smith's exposure to left-handers. Vargas is day-to-day and is not expected to suit up Friday against Washington lefty Foster Griffin, but it's unlikely Smith will be in the starting lineup.

Smith is expected to take on the designated hitter spot most of the time against right-handers, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports. That was Smith's job Monday, when he was activated off the 60-day injured list. He was on the bench for Tuesday's game against Dodgers lefty Eric Lauer but entered as a pinch hitter against a right-handed reliever. Smith's return mostly affects Adrian Del Castillo but could also eat into Ildemaro Vargas's playing time at first base.

The Diamondbacks reinstated Smith (elbow) from the 60-day injured list Monday, Aaron Hughes of SI.com reports. Smith has been cleared to rejoin the Diamondbacks ahead of their seven-game homestand after he went 7-for-21 with a double and a 1:5 BB:K during a five-game minor-league rehab assignment last week. The 30-year-old played in just two contests for Arizona before landing on the IL on March 30 due to left elbow inflammation caused by bone chips, which he had removed via surgery April 16. Smith is expected to reclaim a regular spot in the Arizona lineup versus right-handed pitching, displacing either Adrian Del Castillo at designated hitter or Ildemaro Vargas at first base.