The Los Angeles Dodgers have received terrible news confirmed by Dave Roberts: the absence of Will Smith will be extended, and they may not have their star catcher available for the start of the MLB postseason, a critical stage where every key roster piece makes a difference.
What’s Happening with Will Smith?
Catcher Will Smith suffered a bone bruise in his hand during the Dodgers’ game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 3, forcing him to leave the game. He returned about six days later against the Colorado Rockies but reinjured himself, ultimately landing on the injured list.
“Optimistic that he’s going to come back at some point, doubtful it’s the regular season,”Roberts said. “Having him available for the postseason, we’re still hopeful.”
This is terrible news for the Dodgers, as Smith is one of their top offensive producers when healthy. This season, Smith has posted a career-high .901 OPS and a .296 batting average, both personal bests for the All-Star in a single season.
Who Will Replace Will Smith?
Dalton Rushing was initially called up to replace Smith after his injury but soon ended up on the injured list himself after accidentally hitting his shin with a ball. With a shortage of healthy catchers, the Dodgers brought up Ben Rortvedt and Chuckie Robinson from Triple-A.
Rortvedt has taken the majority of the playing time and has made the most of the opportunity. He’s currently batting .270 with the Dodgers, nearly doubling his .095 batting average from earlier this season with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Rushing returned to the lineup on September 16, replacing Robinson, and has since been splitting time with the standout Rortvedt.
Despite Rortvedt’s production, the lineup still feels the absence of Will Smith, which represents a significant void for a team with such a top-heavy lineup.
However, the Dodgers have managed to win games despite Smith’s injury, suggesting that his absence may be felt more than it actually impacts the team’s performance. The team is confident that Rortvedt and Rushing can continue to be effective replacements while Smith recovers from his hand bruise. With a 2025 postseason spot already secured, the focus now is on holding steady until Smith can return and provide a decisive boost to the team.
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