Dodgers, Dave Roberts Left in Tough Spot with Will Smith Still Sidelined
The Dodgers have now played nine games without starting catcher Will Smith as he remains on the 7-day IL with concussion symptoms. Originally, the plan or hope was that Will could rejoin the lineup as the team’s series with the Cubs started, but that wasn’t the case.
On Saturday, ahead of LA’s 9-4 win, manager Dave Roberts gave the update on Smitty, noting that was a much better day for the budding star.
“Today was a good day for Will. Today was a better day,” Roberts said Saturday. “He’ll pick up activity tomorrow. Yesterday we kind of kicked the can a little bit, he wasn’t having his best day. He’s going to do a little more stuff today in the weight room and swinging of the bat.”
Doc and Will have both said the plan is to be extra cautious since we’re dealing with something concussion related, but as the team continues to flounder, the hole in the lineup left by the catcher is becoming more apparent.
“To lose that consistency, it’s been tough. … You’re losing a guy that is your starting catcher, middle of the order at-bat, the relationship that he has with the pitchers. … So having Will not in the lineup, run prevention, run creation all that stuff is impacted.”
Why is Will Smith Not Playing?
In a game in San Francisco nearly two weeks ago, Smith took a few foul tips off his face mask that rattled him. He stayed in and completed the game but after an off day just never got to feeling right. At the time he said he felt “foggy and uneasy.” He was placed on the 7-day concussion injured list where he’ll remain for the next week.
When Will Will Smith Return to the Lineup?
The plan seems to be pointing to Will missing the next series in Pittsburgh. A best case scenario could see him back in the lineup when the Dodgers get back home to Dodger Stadium to welcome the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday the 28th.
How Has Will Smith Done This Season?
When he was on the field, he was one of the best hitting catchers and players in baseball. In his first 11 games of the season, he’s hitting .333 with 3 home runs and 12 RBIs while posting a 1.058 OPS.
In his absence, Dodgers catchers have struggled at the plate. Austin Barnes and Austin Wynns have combined to go 2-26 (.077) in nine games.
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There’s been alot of talk about hoe good of a manager Dave Roberts is. Some point to his winning record and some point to how good of teams he has bad. Honestly he does some things very well and sometimes he gets second guessed.
This year he will show us what kind of manager he is.
What about Hunter Feduccia ????
Hunter Feduccia had a good spring for the Dodgers. He was the best, or perhaps second best hitter. He seemed like a decent defensive catcher as well. He is tearing it up in OKC.