Will Smith Exits Dodgers Cactus League Game vs Reds After Getting Hit By Pitch on Knee

Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star catcher Will Smith has exited Tuesday’s Cactus League game against the Cincinnati Reds after being hit by a pitch.

Smith was hit on the knee by a 79.7 mph sweeper, and ended up leaving the game later in the inning while standing on second base.

He was replaced by Hunter Feduccia at catcher.

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Smith has been dealing with a nagging ankle injury that was first sustained back in June. 

Manager Dave Roberts recently spoke on the injury and how it is something that will take longer to heal than expected. 

“I just don’t think it’s something that’s gonna go away anytime soon,” Roberts said, via Jack Harris of The Los Angeles Times. “It just kind of is what it is.”

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“I think last year, there was a lot of pitches that he was missing,” Roberts added. “I do believe the foot was kind of impeding the swing. I don’t know if he’s been able to manage it. But I think right now, he’s in a really good spot.”

Smith never attributed the ankle to his slump in the back half of the season, but it can be assumed that it was a factor given his numbers. 

In the second half of 2024, Smith had a slashline of .206/.295/.331 with five home runs and 20 RBIs.

Compared to his first half numbers of .272/.346/.492 and his 15 home runs and 55 RBIs, there was a noticeable dip in production.

The Dodgers should provide a further update on Smith’s knee after the game, but given how he jogged off the field and into the dugout, the injury doesn’t appear to be too serious. 

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