Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is out of the lineup for the fourth consecutive game on Wednesday, raising questions about an IL stint for the All-Star.
The Dodgers may have to shuffle around their roster if they’re to place him on the injured list, though, as the only other catcher on their 40-man roster is Dalton Rushing. Rushing will obviously start the majority of games while Smith is out, but the Dodgers will likely want someone to back him up just in case.
LA will have to bring someone up if Smith does go to the injured list, and there are a couple of candidates in the minors.
Who Are the Dodgers’ Triple-A Catchers?
Eliezer Alfonzo
Eliezer Alfonzo has played the majority of the Oklahoma City Comets’ games behind the dish, and has produced rather well on offense too. Alfonzo has one homer and 14 RBIs through 35 games this season, but that’s not the whole story.
The 26-year-old has a .297 batting average and a .781 OPS, and has reached base in his last seven games.
Alfonzo spent all of his professional career prior to this season with the Detroit Tigers, and signed with the Dodgers early in the offseason last year.
Chuckie Robinson
Chuckie Robinson came up for one appearance with the Dodgers last season, and has played 21 games with Oklahoma City this season. He has a .763 OPS this year, hitting two homers and driving in 18 runs this season.
He has improved upon his performance in the Dodgers’ organization last season, during which he had a .685 OPS through 51 appearances.
Who Should the Dodgers Call Up If Will Smith Goes on IL?
The Dodgers decision to call someone up will likely boil down to what they’re looking for in a catcher. Robinson has played 52 games in MLB over the course of his career, which gives him an edge in experience over his counterpart, who is yet to make his debut.
The Dodgers value getting younger players consistent reps as well, so they may look towards Robinson for that reason.
If they want offensive production, though, Alfonzo may be the way to go given his performance this season and Robinson’s past numbers in the bigs. Over his 52 games, Robinson has a .361 OPS in MLB.
Who do you think the Dodgers should call up if Will Smith needs to go on the injured list?
