Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that All-Star catcher Will Smith will be sidelined for an extended period following a bone bruise in his right hand suffered on September 3 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Smith attempted a return six days later but re-aggravated the injury and was placed on the injured list.
“Optimistic that he’s going to come back at some point, doubtful it’s the regular season,” Roberts said ahead of the Dodgers’ game against the San Francisco Giants. “Having him available for the postseason, we’re still hopeful.”
Smith’s absence leaves a significant hole in a Dodgers lineup that has relied on his career-high .296 batting average and .901 OPS this season.
Ben Rortvedt Seizes the Opportunity
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Initially, Dalton Rushing replaced Smith, but a shin injury soon sidelined him as well. This opened the door for Ben Rortvedt and Chuckie Robinson from Triple-A. Rortvedt quickly claimed the starting role, batting .270 and nearly doubling his .095 average from his time with the Rays earlier this season.
Rortvedt has started 14 of the games since Smith’s injury, guiding a rotation that has posted a 1.43 ERA and leads Major League Baseball with 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings over 17 games. “I’m trying to win each day. I’m trying to be as selfless as I can,” Rortvedt said. “I just get on the same page and same track with [the pitchers], and so far, it’s gone well.”
The 27-year-old has already been part of historic moments behind the plate, including catching Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s near no-hitter on September 6, just two days after his LA debut. He described the whirlwind experience of joining Los Angeles midseason as “a rollercoaster of events,” noting that the trade deadline offered him “a good reset” and another chance to contribute.
Dodgers Hope for a Playoff Boost
While Rortvedt has performed admirably, the Dodgers still await the return of Smith to fully maximize their offensive firepower. With the postseason secured, LA’s focus is on surviving the stretch run and having Smith ready to provide a crucial lift.
“We want to win a World Series,” Rortvedt said. “But I’ve never done well with thinking too far-fetched. I just try to win the day, win each pitch, each moment. I think it’s better that way.”
In the meantime, Rortvedt’s steady play behind the plate has been vital for a Dodgers pitching staff that ranks among the league’s elite over the past three weeks. As Los Angeles prepares for October, the young catcher’s poise and adaptability could make the difference between an early exit and a deep playoff run.