Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Thinks Rib Injury Has Affected Will Smith
In order for the Los Angeles Dodgers to reach their ultimate goal of winning another World Series, they are going to need all of their main guys to remain healthy. They will also need them to produce at levels that the team knows they are capable of.
However, with the season winding down, it seems that LA may have a slight problem on its hands. The second-half struggles for Dodgers catcher Will Smith have continued this season. He had similar issues last year too, so it has become somewhat of a pattern for Smith.
Manager Dave Roberts believes that a rib issue is what has been affecting Smith at the plate.
“I think it’s been underestimated what effect getting hit in the ribs affected him and his swing and the mechanics of it,” Roberts said. “There was some subconscious protecting of it, which is natural. And that affected mechanics.”
Per SNLA
Smith is one of the more valuable members of the Dodgers lineup, and he has established himself as one of the best catchers in the game. If he isn’t able to produce like normal at the plate, it will serve as a disadvantage for this team in the playoffs.
Luckily, Roberts also mentioned that he believes that Smith is starting to come around from the injury, which is a great thing for the overall success of the team.
On the year, Smith is hitting .269 with 18 home runs and 71 runs batted in. But it’s his presence that brings value to this team. Having him in the lineup gives them an extra bat that can put fear into the opposing pitchers.
“His value for our lineup is not undervalued,” Roberts said. “So he’s a high priority to make sure he’s right, swinging the bat well as we finish up September and into the postseason.”
Per SNLA
The key will be getting him right over these last few weeks before the playoffs start. Smith will be relied upon as the postseason begins, and LA needs his production each night.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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