The Los Angeles Dodgers face a significant challenge as catcher Will Smith’s availability for the postseason remains uncertain due to a hairline fracture in his hand. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts conveyed the team’s concerns, labeling Smith’s chances of returning during the regular season as “doubtful” and his playoff status as “up in the air.”
Smith, who was selected for his third All-Star Game this year, has enjoyed an outstanding season, posting a .296/404/.497 slash line with a 152 wRC+ across 110 games. His performance, including 17 home runs and strong on-base skills, has solidly established him as a key player for the Dodgers, contributing 4.1 fWAR with a combination of offensive prowess and dependable defense.
The potential loss of Smith for any part of the postseason could be a severe setback for the Dodgers. As arguably the best right-handed hitter in the lineup, especially during Mookie Betts’s early-season struggles, Smith’s absence would undoubtedly impact the team’s offensive capabilities. His durability and excellence since his first full season in 2021 have been pivotal, often playing more games and innings than almost any other catcher in the league.
The situation is further complicated by the team’s catching depth. Dalton Rushing, brought in as a potential replacement, has not yet adapted to the major leagues, hitting only .184/.246/.288 and struggling with a significant strikeout rate. With concerns about Rushing’s ability to step up, Roberts indicated that Ben Rortvedt would assume the role of primary catcher in Smith’s absence.
Rortvedt, who has played 39 games between Los Angeles and Tampa this season, has not shown much promise offensively but is regarded as an excellent game caller with strong defensive skills. This could provide some stability behind the plate, crucial as the Dodgers rely on their bullpen to maintain leads alongside their standout starting rotation.
The Dodgers will undoubtedly prefer to have Smith’s bat back to support offensive stars like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman as they head into the playoffs. However, until Smith’s recovery becomes more apparent, the Dodgers will need to rely on their pitching and defense to navigate the rest of the season. The hope is that Smith can recover in time to bolster the team as it seeks postseason success.