WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As Mallex Smith spent years dreaming of the opportunity to play in the Majors, he probably envisioned a number of different ways to enjoy his debut, none of which likely included him making an early exit with blood streaming down his face.
Smith realized his lifelong dream as he started in center field and served as the Braves leadoff hitter in Monday night's game against the Nationals. He did manage to secure his first career hit -- a single off Max Scherzer -- before being forced to exit in the fourth inning with a laceration above his left eye he suffered when his forehead smacked his batting helmet as he made an unsuccessful attempt to steal second base.