With roster decisions approaching, Dominic Smith has opted out of his minor league deal with the Yankees, a source confirmed to the.

Smith, a non-roster invitee with the Yankees, had been bothered by his right hand for the previous four or five years. He played through soreness, taped himself up and used a wrist widget to limit his hand’s movement. The constant care didn’t prevent the veteran from breaking his hamate bone on a live batting practice swing in January 2024, though.

The Yankees roster, unofficially at 35 players for 26 spots with first baseman Dominic Smith opting out on Friday, appears close to set with spring training down to just a few days. A dozen others still on the roster will start the season on the injured list — 10 pitchers and two position players.