Dodgers News: Will Smith Available to Catch; Game One Status TBD
Will Smith could be the starting catcher tomorrow on Game One of the NLDS
PHILADELPHIA, PA—It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the Los Angeles Dodgers’ All-Star catcher in the lineup, and that’s because during the team’s final East Coast road trip in Pittsburgh, the backstop fractured his hand on a foul ball.
Although Smith was able to complete the inning, he was removed later in the game before his next at-bat, and would only start one game over the next week.
Ultimately, the Dodgers would place Smith on the 10-day injured list in mid-September, where he would spend the rest of the regular season after a second round of scans revealed a right-hand microfracture.
After about two weeks of rest, Smith finally began to swing a bat while the team was in Seattle for the final series of the regular season, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts left his status for the upcoming three-game National League Wild Card Series ambiguous.
Ultimately, Smith would be added to the Dodgers’ 26-man roster for the series as one of three catchers, joining Ben Rortvedt and rookie Dalton Rushing. But Smith would be limited to just a pinch-hitting role.
Smith never appeared in a game as the Dodgers dismantled the Cincinnati Reds in just two games, sweeping the series, but heading into the National League Division Series, the question arose again as to whether Smith would be able to suit up behind the plate.
Well, we finally have our answer as Roberts told the media today that Smith is good to go at catcher, but left his status for tomorrow’s game to be determined.
Smith had a career year in Dodger Blue this season, hitting .296 and posting a .901 OPS, along with having an 87th percentile ranking in Caught Stealing Above Average.
In his absence, Ben Rortvedt has done a fantastic job filling in for Smith, not only calling games well and keeping the pitching staff on their heels, but with the bat.
Still, there’s no replacing Will Smith, and tomorrow’s lineup card will definitely be a storyline to follow for Los Angeles leading up to game time.
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