Braves CF Mallex Smith leaves MLB debut with cut on face

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WASHINGTON (AP) – Atlanta Braves outfielder Mallex Smith had an eventful major league debut Monday night after being recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett, getting his first hit but leaving after getting cut on the face while being thrown out trying to steal second base.

In the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals, Smith was cut above the left eye when his batting helmet flew off, bounced off the turf and smacked him in the face as he slid on the attempted steal. Catcher Wilson Ramos threw him out.

The Braves listed Smith’s status as day to day.

Atlanta didn’t exactly ease Smith into things when bringing him up from the minors. He immediately was put in the starting lineup.

In his first at-bat, Smith struck out on three pitches.

In the second inning, he reached on an infield single and eventually came around to score his first MLB run.

In the fourth inning, he reached on a fielder’s choice.

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