Dodgers News: Will Smith Reveals He’s Dealt with a Broken Rib for Months

The Dodgers have outperformed preseason expectations and ran away with the National League West in 2023. Entering the year, the new look lineup had Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and a bunch of role players that needed to put together incredible seasons for the team to have any hope at winning another division. One of those role players that had a lot of expectations was fifth year catcher, Will Smith.

He opened the season meeting and exceeding those expectations easily. But, the numbers eventually started to dip as the season went on. This week, it was revealed that Smith had been playing with a broken rib since April 30th.

The injury has affected his offensive production adversely but he says he’s healthy now.

“Once I was healthy, it was going to be an adjustment because the body is going to reprogram itself to deal with it…It took a little longer to figure it all that I would have liked.”

Via Am570 LA Sports Radio

Smith kept playing while most players would be on the IL until their ribs healed. The unassuming Dodger catcher is an important cog in the Dodger offense. This season was Smith’s first All-Star selection.

During this season, Smith has been battered more than usual behind the plate. In April, he missed some time with a concussion. He has been hit by long backswings. As usual, Smith never complained.

The Dodgers play Smith almost every day. Dave Roberts refuses to move him down in the lineup though he hasn’t been productive during August and September. This opened Smith to more criticism than he deserved, particularly when J.D. Martinez was out with a groin/hamstring injury.

If Austin Barnes had a better offensive season, Roberts might have rested Smith. Before the middle of August, Barnes couldn’t hit his weight. In recent weeks, he’s out hit Smith.

Defensively, Smith has done an outstanding job. He has helped the young Dodger pitchers navigate through difficult major league lineups successfully. He has worked with veterans Clayton Kershaw and Lance Lynn well.

Hopefully, Smith’s rib has healed. He can make the necessary adjustments to improve his offensive production before the playoffs begin. 

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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