The Los Angeles Dodgers just took a tough hit. Star catcher Will Smith is likely out for the rest of the regular season with a hairline fracture in his right hand.
Smith means a lot to the Dodgers on both sides of the ball. He’s been out since early September, and while there’s a sliver of hope for a postseason return, no one really knows if he’ll be ready for October.
The team’s chasing another deep playoff run, but now they’ll have to finish the season without one of their most reliable guys.
Will Smith’s Injury Timeline and Diagnosis
Smith’s hand started bothering him on September 9. The discomfort forced him out of the lineup.
At first, everyone hoped he’d bounce back quickly. But the pain stuck around, and the Dodgers placed him on the injured list.
A follow-up scan finally revealed what was really going on—a hairline fracture in his right hand.
Manager Dave Roberts on Smith’s Status
Manager Dave Roberts isn’t sugarcoating it. He’s said Smith probably won’t be back before the postseason.
Roberts still hopes his All-Star catcher could suit up for the playoffs, but he admits Smith’s status is “up in the air.” The team’s being careful, weighing the risk of making things worse against the pressure of playoff baseball.
Offensive Impact: Losing a Premier Hitter
It’s not just defense the Dodgers are missing—Smith’s bat is a huge loss. This year, the 28-year-old catcher has hit .296, driven in 61 runs, and posted a .901 OPS.
He’s right up there with the best in the league at his position. Having him in the middle of the lineup has been a steady source of runs for L.A.
Adjusting Without Their Star Catcher
Now, the Dodgers turn to Ben Rortvedt, who came over at the trade deadline. Rortvedt’s made a good impression so far, looking steady behind the plate and holding his own at bat.
He doesn’t have Smith’s offensive track record, but his defense and recent play have caught the coaches’ attention.
The Dodgers’ Path Forward
The defending champs have to finish the regular season with a different look. Smith’s been limited to conditioning and one-handed batting practice with a splint.
Until he’s back, the Dodgers will have to find offense somewhere else. It’s not ideal, but what can you do?
Keys for Los Angeles in Smith’s Absence
If the Dodgers want to keep rolling toward the playoffs, a few things need to happen:
- Elevated Production from Role Players: Someone’s got to step up and help cover the loss at the plate.
- Pitching Staff Adjustments: Pitchers and catchers need to get on the same page fast with Rortvedt behind the dish.
- Defensive Stability: Smith’s a top-notch game-caller. Matching his leadership back there is going to matter for the pitching staff.
Postseason Implications
October baseball is a different animal. A healthy Will Smith would give the Dodgers a big edge in their title defense.
Roberts and the medical team will keep a close eye on him, trying to balance the need for his bat and glove with the risk of another setback. The Dodgers have dealt with playoff adversity before, but honestly, their shot at repeating might come down to how fast Smith can get back to full strength.
Looking Ahead
If Smith manages to rejoin the team for the postseason, his return could give the Dodgers a real boost. He brings energy and a tactical edge that’s tough to replace.
Right now, though, the Dodgers have to plan for October without one of their brightest stars. That’s a test of their depth, resilience, and, honestly, their championship DNA.
They’ve got a deep roster, sure, but losing someone like Smith at this point in the season? That stings. Whether he makes it back in time might end up being the biggest storyline as the Dodgers chase another playoff run.
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Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers’ Smith (hand) likely out for reg. season
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