The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without All-Star catcher Will Smith for Game 1 of the NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday at Citizens Bank Ballpark.
Smith has been dealing with a hairline fracture in his hand, sustained last month, which kept him out of the Wild Card round. Shortly after Smith’s injury, rookie catcher Dalton Rushing suffered a shin contusion from a foul ball, landing him on the injured list just three days later.
Rushing was able to return fairly quickly, missing only the minimum IL stint. Because of these injuries, minor league catcher Ben Rortvedt has stepped in and proven to be a capable option behind the plate.
What’s The Latest On Dodgers’ Will Smith?
Smith confirmed he won’t be in the Dodgers’ starting lineup but noted he could still be called upon off the bench if the team needs his bat.
“It’s really close to 100%, looking forward to being out there and helping the team win,” Smith said (h/t Dodgers Nation). “I don’t think [I’ll be in the starting lineup], but I’ll be off the bench.”
Will Ben Rortvedt Play Game 1?
It’s likely manager Dave Roberts will go with Rortvedt, who has not only stepped up in the catching game, but his bat came alive against the Cincinnati Reds. Rortvedt went 3 of 6 at the plate while recording one RBI in the two-game sweep of the Reds.
Rortvedt came to the team at the trade deadline in a deal centered on the prospects exchanged. He started in Triple-A behind Smith and Rushing, but when called up to help the defending champions with only a month left before their postseason, he impressed. Both at the plate and behind it, his pitch framing and game-calling abilities stood out.
Moreover, Rortvedt will also likely be catching the MLB playoff pitching debut of Shohei Ohtani as the 31-year-old looks to get off on the right foot on the mound.
