Dodgers News: Will Smith’s Hand “Close to 100%”
Will Smith, who was added to the 26-man NLDS roster, will be in the Lineup for Game One
PHILADELPHIA, PA—Prior to the start of Game One of the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies, All-Star catcher Will Smith spoke with the media to update on his status for the series.
“Yeah, it’s feeling good. You know, it’s really close to 100%. Yeah, looking forward to being out there playing, helping the team win.”
On the Dodgers’ final East Coast road trip in Pittsburgh in early September, Smith left the game early after having a foul ball hit his right hand. Although Smith was able to finish the inning defensively, he was late and pinch-hit for rookie Dalton Rushing.
Smith was initially able to avoid the injured list, but after the swelling and pain did not subside, Smith underwent additional scans, which revealed a microfracture, ending his regular season.
Over the final weeks of the season, Smith did minimal baseball activities, such as bullpen sessions with a throwing partner, working out, and during the final regular season series in Seattle, just began to swing a bat.
Despite this, Smith was added to the Dodgers’ Wild Card Series roster as an option to pinch hit off the bench with the possibility of catching if needed, but he did not appear in the series.
Smith participated in batting practice yesterday, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he was healthy enough to catch, but would not confirm whether that would be Game One, Two, or the rest of the series.
Smith was confirmed to be on the NLDS roster, which was posted this morning, and will be a massive boost to the Dodgers’ lineup as Smith posted career-highs in batting average and OPS this season before getting injured.
Smith will be available off the bench for the Dodgers tonight, whether as a pinch hitter or late-inning defensive replacement.
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