It was a needed picture of levity for Smith, who has just rejoined the club after a bout of viral meningitis that landed him in the hospital for over a week.

Yet that’s exactly where he finds himself, ahead of every other National League hitter to ever get 2,000 plate appearances, and behind only the legendary Ty Cobb overall.

“Pitching, defense, slugging, played with energy, focus, intensity, purpose,” manager Joe Espada said.