Dodgers News: Will Smith Likely to Start Game Three
After coming in late in back-to-back games, Will Smith is set to start for Game Three on Wednesday
LOS ANGELES, CA—The Los Angeles Dodgers head back to Chavez Ravine up two games over the National League East champion Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series, one win away from a sweep and a second straight National League Championship appearance, and heading into Game Three, they could have their backstop back in a starting role.
Since fracturing his hand at the start of September, Dodgers All-Star catcher Will Smith has been absent for nearly four weeks, even though the right-handed slugger was activated and added to the team’s postseason roster.
Smith was one of three catchers added to the 26-man Wild Card Series roster, although he never appeared in the game defensively or as a pinch-hitter, as Dave Roberts had suggested he’d be available for.
Entering the NLDS, the Dodgers opted for the same plan, having Smith added to a trio of catchers, possibly to be used as a pinch hitter later in a game, but this time, the backstop was ready to catch if needed.
Well, Smith would do just that in both Games One and Two as he would enter the game late and pinch hit for starting catcher Ben Rortvedt and play the rest of the game behind the plate.
Prior to Game Two, Smith was seen catching right-handed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s bullpen session in preparation for Game Three, and all indications from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts appear that Smith will get the start in the potential series clincher tomorrow.
Smith had his best game at the plate during yesterday’s 4-3 win, going 1-for-2 with a two-out two-RBI double to add on to the Dodgers’ lead in the seventh inning, and the addition of his bat in the middle of the Dodgers’ lineup will give them a massive boost as they’re already up in the series and returning home.
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