With the Los Angeles Dodgers looking to close out the NLDS at home on Wednesday, all eyes will be on All-Star catcher Will Smith and his possible availability as a starter.
Ben Rortvedt started the first two games in Philadelphia. Smith got into both contests initially as a pinch hitter going up against Philadelphia’s two tough left-handed starters in Cristopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo. Smith then stayed in the game and caught without any apparent issue.
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When asked whether Smith is a lock to start Game 3 with his fractured hand seemingly being managed well enough for the catcher to take down multiple innings in consecutive games, manager Dave Roberts stopped short of naming him the automatic starter.
“I think the thought was similar to Game 1, given [Smith] hasn’t had much of a workup coming back from the IL. So catching the five innings, whatever it was, to then build up tonight, to then feel like he’s in a better spot — we got three at-bats under our belt, which is also a positive —came out of it feeling good, which is encouraging. And then if we continue to trend, then having him start Game 3, if it still looks good.”
Roberts then riffed on Ben Rortvedt and the impact he’s had on the club — something that’s been particularly evident in terms of his game-calling and pitch framing.
“When you have a guy like [Rortvedt], with what he’s done preventing runs, it makes it a lot easier,” Roberts said. “But I do think that now Will’s got his game legs back, and hopefully he comes in good tomorrow for the workout and feels good for Game 3.”
The Phillies curiously haven’t looked much to test Smith and his injured hand. On the one base-stealing attempt by Trea Turner, it actually looked as if Smith’s throw beat Turner to the bag. Unfortunately, Mookie Betts wasn’t able to squeeze the ball on the tag to complete the play.
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Hitting-wise, Smith has one hit in four at-bats (along with a walk and two runs batted in). His massive two-out, two-run single off reliever Orion Kerkering in the seventh inning of Game 2 helped the Dodgers eventually win the game.
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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2 Responses
This is a good move by Roberts. Bringing in Smith potent bat in high-octane situations against a lefty works in our favor. The “Dutchman” has done well in his role with us and has hit better than his .180 lifetime would suggest. This is no time to lose Will Smith altogether: 3-4 innings is better than none.
I love that mindset! It’s less wear and tear for both of them, but Smith is healing and getting back to form while getting the added rest. Like you said, Rortvedt has been awesome for us and doing so much more than expected