Steve Webb
NEW YORK, NY — Dodgers catcher Will Smith has had a weird postseason. On one hand, he’s struggled mightily at the plate, but on the other he’s shepherded the Dodger pitching staff to four shutouts in the last five games. all the while snagging a Gold Glove nomination. He talked about both aspects of his October prior to Game 4 on Thursday night.
Reflecting on his recent offensive performance, Smith said, “I was able to get two hits, you know, a big one in the second inning. I felt fine at the plate, so just trying to keep that going.” As he looks to maintain that form, Smith emphasizes building on the modest successes of Game 3.
Smith also discussed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s development through the playoffs, highlighting his ability to settle into games. “The second start, he’s able to settle in a little better,” Smith noted. “That’s what I’m going to look to do – get him settled in, get through the first couple of innings, see where he’s at. I expect him to come out there and, you know, attack, compete, and give us a good start.”
When it comes to Freddie Freeman’s impact on the team, Smith could not understate the first baseman’s determination despite being sidelined due to injury. “He’s in a lot of pain out there, you can see it when he’s running and all that,” Smith explained. “But he’s inspiring us as players, as a teammate, willing to put his body on the line. It’s impressive, and, you know, it gets us going.” Smith further praised Freeman’s commitment, sharing, “He hates being told he can’t go out there and compete. He’s always willing to do whatever he can to go out there and give us the best shot to win. As a teammate, that’s a guy you want on your side.”
Acknowledging the challenges faced this season, Smith remarked, “It’s been a lot. Pitchers, position players, everybody – it seems like everybody’s been battling something. But we’ve been able to get through it. Guys had to step up, and that’s what we do. It’s the Dodgers, and, you know, go out there, compete, and try to win.”
The bullpen has played a significant role in the Dodgers’ postseason success, providing strong performances despite increased workloads. “My preparation doesn’t really change,” Smith said regarding handling the revolving bullpen lineup. “I just go one pitch at a time with those guys. They’ve been nails, they’ve been really good, just going out, executing, and putting up zeros.”
On game planning and strategy, Smith acknowledged the collaboration with coaches and pitchers to fine-tune their approach. “It’s a lot of conversations with Danny [Lehmann], with Mark [Prior], with Conor [McGuinness], and the pitchers,” he stated. “We know how to attack, and then during the game, it’s just going down and executing.”
Facing the Mets again in the postseason, Smith expressed respect for their opponents, saying, “They’re a good ball club. We faced them earlier, we still thought they were a good ball club.”
Despite the ups and downs of the season, Smith remains determined. “There’s always things you’re working on throughout the year,” he admitted. “Body changes a little bit, fields change, and obviously, the pitches are really good. It’s just a fight.”
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
