Dave Roberts Announces Will Smith News After Removal From Dodgers Lineup
Will Smith has established himself as one of many best catchers in baseball over the previous eight seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 31-year-old is a three-time All-Star and has continued to make an influence in October.
Smith has helped the Dodgers seize three World Series titles, developing with big swings within the postseason. This 12 months, Smith has posted a .266 batting common, .337 on-base share, .729 OPS, three dwelling runs and 14 RBIs throughout 24 appearances.
commercial
Fortunately for the Dodgers, Smith is signed via the 2033 season on his 10-year, $140 million contract, and given the worth he offers on a nightly foundation, it’s protected to say that he has been one of many group’s smartest investments.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16)© Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Smith had a powerful sport on Friday throughout the sequence opener towards the Chicago Cubssmashing a three-run dwelling run within the backside of the third inning. Unfortunately, Los Angeles would blow the lead, dropping by a last rating of 6-4.
commercial
With Smith and the Dodgers seeking to bounce again on Saturday, Smith was held out of the lineup. For the third time in 5 days, Los Angeles had its backup, Dalton Rushingstep in behind the plate.
While it’s common for Rushing to exchange Smith to offer him days off, Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts revealed when talking with reporters throughout pregame that this was not the case this time round.
Roberts introduced that Smith is coping with again tightness, which led to his removing from the beginning lineup. Fortunately, Roberts added that the crew will not be involved long-term and he’s anticipated to be obtainable for the sequence finale on Sunday (h/t Jack Harris of the California Post).
commercial
The excellent news is this isn’t a major setback for Smith. Last 12 months, Smith handled a fractured proper hand in September that compelled him to overlook the beginning of the Dodgers run within the MLB playoffs.
The Dodgers are usually not dropping something within the short-term both, as Smith’s counterpart Rushing is off to a powerful begin in 2026 and has been greater than serviceable when wanted. Regardless, Smith stays the first possibility.
With his significance to each the pitching employees and the lineup, the Dodgers will probably be hoping this newest situation stays minor and doesn’t linger into the center of their season.
commercial
Related: Dodgers’ Blake Snell Makes Off-Field Announcement Before Cubs Game
This story was initially printed by Athlon Sports on Apr 25, 2026, the place it first appeared within the MLB part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
