dailyloe.com – Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith, 31, has been a key player for the team over the past eight seasons. He is a three-time All-Star and has contributed significantly to the team’s success, helping secure three World Series titles.
This season, Smith has a .266 batting average, .337 on-base percentage, and .729 OPS, alongside three home runs and 14 RBIs in 24 games. He had a standout performance against the Chicago Cubs, hitting a three-run home run, but the Dodgers lost the game 6-4.
On Saturday, Smith was removed from the starting lineup due to back tightness, marking the third time in five days that Dalton Rushing has filled in as catcher. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated that this decision was not routine, emphasizing that Smith’s condition is being monitored.
Roberts reassured reporters that the team is not concerned about Smith’s long-term health and anticipates his return for the series finale on Sunday. This situation is not as serious as last year when Smith fractured his right hand, which sidelined him during the playoffs.
Rushing has performed well in Smith’s absence, providing the Dodgers with a reliable option behind the plate. Nonetheless, Smith remains crucial to both the team’s pitching staff and offensive lineup, and the Dodgers hope this issue is minor.
