Dodgers Catcher Will Smith Out With Hand Fracture
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith will miss the rest of the regular season due to a stress fracture in his right hand. Smith, who is on the injured list and last played on September 9, still didn’t feel right after the injury to his throwing hand. Further examination revealed the fracture, according to manager Dave Roberts on Saturday.The All-Star catcher is batting .296 with 61 RBIs this season and an OPS of .901. Smith is the Dodgers’ starting catcher, who are looking to defend their World Series championship. Smith is using a splint and doing activities that do not involve his right hand, such as running, core work, and swinging a bat with his left hand. When asked if he is optimistic that Smith will be available to start the postseason, Roberts replied: “That’s up in the air. I don’t know.” Ben Rortvedt is expected to get the bulk of the starts at catcher, Roberts added. Rortvedt was acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline to provide depth, and they are pleased with his performance this month.“We are optimistic that he will return at some point, but we doubt it will be in the regular season,” Roberts said. “We are hopeful that he will be available for the postseason. I think it’s good that Will and we have clarity. It was like, ‘I don’t understand why he doesn’t feel good.’ Another exploration revealed the injury.”
Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
