Will Smith Reveals Why He’s Out of Dodgers Lineup Despite Multiple Off Days This Week
The Los Angeles Dodgers revealed their lineup for Wednesday’s series finale against the Chicago Cubs with one surprising omission: Will Smith.
Read more: Dodgers Lineup vs Cubs — Max Muncy and Will Smith Out, Starting Pitcher Revealed
The Dodgers catcher was out of the lineup on Wednesday despite the team having an off-day Thursday. The Dodgers were also off Monday of this week, and Smith was out of the lineup this past Sunday.
Smith told David Vassegh of AM570 radio that he has a sore wrist after banging his wrist on the play at the plate tagging Ian Happ in the 6th inning of Tuesday night’s game.
Smith isn’t too concerned about the soreness and is taking advantage of an off day on Thursday to get extra rest on his arm.
Austin Barnes will get the start in Smith’s place as the Dodgers backstop. In Barnes’ six appearances this season, he has just two hits and two RBIs over 19 at-bats.
Smith, a two-time All-Star, has been off to a productive start to the 2025 season. In his 20 games so far, he is leading all MLB catchers in batting average (.350), on-base percentage (.453), and OPS (1.020).
He leads National League catchers in slugging percentage at .567, but is second in the majors in that category.
Despite the loss, Tuesday saw Smith finish the contest with two hits, two RBIs, a walk, and a 419-foot bomb into left field.
The Dodgers have been dealing with their fair share of injuries, but will hope to still pull out a win during the final leg of the road trip despite Smith’s absence. Hopefully, their star catcher is back for the following game, Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates back home at Dodger Stadium.
Roberts said Smith’s return to the lineup will be based on his pain tolerance.
More news: MLB Insider Provides Massive Update on Luis Robert Trade to Dodgers
Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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