Dodgers News: Will Smith Trying to Get Swing Back on Track
Will Smith made his first All-Star appearance this season after putting up a .279 batting average and an .889 OPS in the first half of the season.
Since then, he has lost over 150 points off his OPS going down to a .720 in the 2nd half of the season. The 28-year-old backstop is aware of his recent struggles and knows he needs to work through them.
“Just getting a little long in the backswing, which is making me leak,” Smith said. “Just something that’s kind of been there. It’s always creeped back at times. It had been there. Just trying to get it to go away again.”
Via Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic
The drag in his backswing was causing him to no longer stay on any pitch he swung at. In the first half Will Smith had 44 walks and 39 strikeouts, a rare feat that many players in today’s baseball can’t come close to.
But now, 43 games into the 2nd half season, Smith was just 12 walks to 37 strikeouts. He hasn’t been able to stay on top of pitches he swings at because of his timing.
However, in his last 7 games we have seen a more Will Smith of earlier going 7-21 and only 5 strikeouts to 2 walks. His OPS in the last 7 days is also at .915.
Smith will have to get his swing ready for the playoffs as he will most likely stay at the third spot in the lineup especially with players like J.D. Martinez and Max Muncy possibly dealing with injuries even when in the lineup.
At 84-53 the Dodgers are going to make the playoffs, and with retooling and finding what made Will Smith an All-Star this year, the backstop will look to help his team win a second World Series in just four years.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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