The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to monitor the status of All-Star catcher Will Smith as the postseason draws closer. Smith, sidelined since Sept. 13 with a hairline fracture in his right hand, has made progress but remains questionable for Tuesday’s Wild Card opener.
Manager Dave Roberts said Smith “responded well” to taking swings in the batting cage Saturday, according to Sonja Chen of MLB.com. The Dodgers hope he can advance to live at-bats Monday without setback, which would determine his playoff availability.
“I’m still hoping. I wouldn’t say hopeful. I’m hoping,” Roberts explained. “But obviously, if he’s not doing a whole lot, it just looks more unlikely.”
Smith himself admitted last week that hurdles remain: “At some point, I’ll definitely get some live ABs, not in games. But it’s crunch time. Gotta go. Whenever I’m ready I’ll be back in there.”
Filling the Void
Vote For Your Favorite Dodgers Duo: Ohtani – Yamamoto, Betts – Freeman, Hernandez – Hernandez
If Smith cannot suit up, Los Angeles will turn to Ben Rortvedt and rookie Dalton Rushing behind the plate. Both have been pressed into larger roles during September and have shown flashes that inspire confidence heading into October.
Rushing, who dealt with a shin contusion earlier this month, has been swinging the bat well of late, hitting .300 over his last seven games with a homer and three RBIs. His workload is expected to increase, and the Dodgers are hoping his rhythm at the plate continues into the postseason.
Rortvedt, meanwhile, has quietly established himself as a steadying defensive presence. His pitch framing and rapport with the pitching staff have drawn praise from teammates, Roberts, and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman.
Broader Injury Picture
The Dodgers’ playoff push has been complicated by a string of injuries beyond Smith. Max Muncy (leg) and Tommy Edman (ankle) both sat out the final regular-season series, while reliever Brock Stewart is slated for season-ending shoulder surgery.
Even so, the team remains optimistic about weathering the storm. Roberts has reiterated that Smith’s return is still possible, even if the window is tight. “He’s improving each day, even if incrementally,” the manager noted.
For now, the Dodgers face the prospect of opening October without one of their most trusted bats and leaders, relying instead on depth and resilience until Smith can make his return.