"The [bone] has to heal before you can start all that," Snitker said. "It just hasn't healed real fast."
Smith's left hand and wrist have been immobilized by a cast since his thumb was fractured by an Antonio Bastardo pitch nearly two months ago. Even if he is cleared to begin participating in baseball activities within the next couple of weeks, he will need an additional couple weeks to make necessary preparations and strengthen all of the muscles that have atrophied.
Complicating the situation is the fact that the Minor League season will end in early September.