Dodgers face postseason uncertainty with Will Smith’s injury amid NL West title pursuit
The Los Angeles Dodgers have secured their spot in the MLB postseason and find themselves perched atop the NL West standings. This positioning is a testament to their dominance, as they are on the verge of clinching their 12th division title in the last 13 seasons. However, the San Diego Padres remain a looming threat, trailing by just 2.5 games and eager to claim their first divisional title in nearly two decades.
Impact of Will Smith’s Injury
Adding to the Dodgers’ pressures, starting catcher Will Smith has been sidelined due to a hairline fracture in his throwing hand. Although manager Dave Roberts has expressed optimism regarding Smith’s situation as the postseason approaches, the reality is that Smith’s regular season may be effectively over.
Smith’s absence could have significant implications for the team’s postseason plans. His role as a key player cannot be overstated; he has been a consistent force behind the plate and at the bat. With a .296 batting average and 17 home runs across 110 games played this season, his contributions are invaluable.
Uncertainty Surrounding Postseason Availability
As the Dodgers prepare for the playoffs, the question of Smith’s availability remains uncertain. Both Roberts and Andrew Friedman, the team’s president of baseball operations, have shared a cautiously optimistic outlook regarding the timeline for Smith’s recovery.
“We’re optimistic that it’s going to heal quickly, but we’re at the mercy of how quickly that happens,” Friedman noted, underscoring the unpredictable nature of injuries. “We don’t really know, but we’re optimistic it’ll be pretty fast. But beyond that, we’re not sure.”
Roberts echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’re up in the air,” when discussing Smith’s postseason participation. “Don’t know that.”
As the Dodgers inch closer to the playoffs, the uncertainty surrounding Smith’s health looms large over an otherwise promising season. The team’s fans and players alike will be watching closely, hoping for a swift recovery for their All-Star catcher.
