Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Top Catching Prospect Will Smith Recalled

Today the Dodgers recalled top catching prospect Will Smith from AAA Oklahoma City. He will be in uniform at Dodger Stadium tonight.

Ken Gurnick, among others, was on it pretty early in the day, calling attention to some of the roster moves that the club had made involving organizational catchers.

After Barnes was removed from Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh with a groin injury, thoughts quickly turned to who could possibly fill his spot, if he were to miss extended time.

That question was answered today when the Dodgers added their number 5 prospect — number 9 catching prospect in all of baseball — to the fold.

Smith, a 2016 1st round draft pick, has hit very well down in the minors this season, posting a slash line of .290/.404/.551 (.954 OPS) while adding 8 HR, 8 2B, 28 RBI, and 28 runs scored in 38 games.

Over his last 15 games, he’s torn the cover off the ball with a .396 average and 1.266 OPS, adding 5 of those 8 home runs.

Moreover, he has always rated highly as a defender behind the plate. While his arm at times may leave a little to be desired, he has often drawn praise from his pitchers for his game calling ability. He is also capable of playing second base, and some third.

Welcome to the show, Will!

Clint Pasillas

Clint is the lead editor and manager of DodgersNation.com, and a host and analyst on DN's Blue Heaven podcast live stream. Since joining Dodgers Nation, Clint has helped grow the site into a top-50 baseball website in the world. He's been writing, blogging, and podcasting Dodgers since about 2008. He was there for Nomar, Greg Maddux, and Blake DeWitt, and he'll be there for Walker Buehler, Alex Verdugo, Dustin May, and any Dodgers of the future. He's also a sandwich enthusiast, a consummate athlete, and a friend.

5 Comments

    1. Ray, it’s also a simple add to the 40 man roster too. Simply DFA Gale and his ‘robust’ .122 BA at OKC. I sure hope that Smith can just grab the starting catching job eventually as well.

  1. Hey Paul!……..We all hope Will Smith is the answer right? I will say though, Russell Martin has hit okay, his throwing before he sets his feet has been the only bothersome thing……….results in botched throws alot more than we should be comfortable with……..two or three in just the past week. Barnes has been a disappointment @ the plate but I kinda expected that. I have read how Will Smith is a fast developer, defensively, but I have not seen him play much. Looking forward to his debut tonite.

  2. Clint,

    As “the lead editor of Dodgers Nation, and a host and analyst on Dodgers Nation’s own Blue Heaven podcast live stream,” maybe you will answer this question, which “senior editor” Brook Smith refuses to do. Why are obscene comments, many of which are by the same person, published? These are irrelevant and offensive to several of us contributors.

    1. Hi Justin,

      Thank you for the concern! It can be tough to monitor everything that comes through on the comments, unfortunately. We do all try our best, but sometimes our best doesn’t cut it.

      At this time, we don’t really have the help from a community manager, but we’re hoping that we can add to this, and help remedy the nasty comments that come through.

      Everyone here deserves a voice… but a fair voice. No place for negative comments toward others in the community, or any pointless cursing.

      We appreciate your participation, Justin!
      – CP

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