Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Doesn’t Think Flipping Will Smith and J.D. Martinez Will Help Lineup
Despite all of the offensive production that the Dodgers have seen this season, they still have their own issues. One of which has been the play of catcher Will Smith of late, and as the postseason gets started soon, they need him to pick things up.
Smith got off to a great start to the season, and it helped him earn his first All-Star appearance. But his performance of late has been anything but spectacular and is a slight cause for concern.
However, even with the issues, manager Dave Roberts doesn’t believe that moving him down in the lineup will solve the problem. He believes in his catcher and wants him to work through things before the postseason.
“I have considered it,” Roberts said. “I don’t necessarily feel that flipping them or moving Will down, I don’t know if that would be the answer to producing more runs. I think that if you look at our offense, we’re very productive. And I still believe Will is a productive offense player.”
Per SNLA
Potentially moving Smith with J.D. Martinez could put the Dodgers veteran slugger in a better position to drive runs in, but Roberts sees it differently. Roberts likes where Martinez is because he is in a spot to get two-out hits and lengthen the lineup.
“I have thought about it but I still don’t believe that is the answer.”
Per SNLA
While Roberts is unwilling to make the move right now, if the struggles continue for Smith, he may be forced to make a change. There is only so much to be done, especially come playoff time, and Roberts will need to do what is best for the overall team.
Luckily for LA, they haven’t suffered offensively due to how Smith has been playing, but they will need his bat to wake up in the next week. He is a key member of their roster, and they are going to need him in the postseason.
He came up huge for them in 2020 when they won the World Series, and the hope is that he can replicate that success. The Dodgers have faith in their guy, but there is only so much to go around with a struggling player.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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