Dodgers News: Will Smith is a Difference Maker for LA and the Numbers Prove it

Your Dodgers are in first place in the NL West, 8 games over .500 and 3 games back of having the best record in the National League. Thank you, Will Smith.

No, seriously, the Dodgers have been insane when Will Smith is in the lineup. In the 22 games he’s been in the lineup as either catcher or the DH, the Dodgers are 16-6 (16-5 in games he starts… he was forced in to one game after Austin Barnes was ejected for arguing with the umpire). LA is 8-9 without Will in the lineup, including a 6-7 stretch while he was on the injured list.

When you think back to his debut in 2019… Will has come a long way.

The 28-year-old trails only Sean Murphy for the title of the best catcher in baseball right now. But he’s not that far behind in all the important offensive stats while playing in 10 fewer games.

• Smith: 22 G, 6 2B, 6 HR, 19 RBI, .325/.420/.625 (1.045)
• Murphy: 32 G, 9 2B, 9 HR, 32 RBI, .299/.440/.636 (1.076)

Just a little fun with the numbers to help everyone appreciate Will Dills Smith.

Other Dodgers News and Notes

• The club is expecting DH J.D. Martinez back in the lineup against the Padres on Friday. He’s missed the last 15 games while dealing with a lower back strain.
• Noah Syndergaard’s status will remain in limbo until at least Friday. The starting pitcher left his start after one inning on Tuesday after a cut on his right index finger made it so he was unable to grip the baseball well. He may end up heading to the injured list.
• Rookie Gavin Stone made his first start back in the minor leagues on Tuesday, tossing 5.1 innings of 1 run ball. He allowed 2 hits and 4 walks. The right-hander is among the top candidates to replace Syndergaard if he hits the IL.
• The rotation is set for the rematch with San Diego at Dodger Stadium this weekend. Dustin May will pitch on Friday coming off a win against the Padres last weekend. Julio Urias gets the ball in game two and Tony Gonsolin will make his first start against the Friars this season on Sunday.

Dodgers Broadcast Update

The middle game of the three game set will be a nationally televised game on FOX. Joe Davis will be on the call.

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