Smith opted out of his deal with the Yankees last week in the hopes of getting a major league spot elsewhere, but that never materialized. He hit .297/.289/.568 this spring to make a case for a spot on the Yankees bench, but he’ll head to Triple-A for now.

Smith was in the lineup for Friday’s game before being scratched, and now he’ll look for a new opportunity. There’s a good chance that Smith will have to settle for another minor league contract with an opt-out clause with whatever team he lands on.

Smith’s deadline to opt out of his contract is Friday. This is probably not coincidental. The former first-round pick could return to the Yankees, but he’ll at least test the waters of free agency.

If Giancarlo Stanton opens up on the injured list, it’d create a spot for Smith or Ben Rice to make the Yankees as their DH against right-handed pitchers. Rice, though, ought to be the favorite for the spot. Not only can he also serve as a backup catcher, but he’s probably the better bet than Smith offensively. Both played today, with Rice, serving as the catcher, going 2-for-3 and delivering the game’s hardest-hit ball (111.1 mph).