Dodgers make surprising decision to exclude Will Smith from Game 2 lineup against Phillies
The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a hard-fought victory in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, thanks to standout performances from their bullpen and a crucial seventh-inning home run by Teoscar Hernandez. The Dodgers’ strong pitching duo of Tyler Glasnow and Roki Sasaki played a pivotal role, allowing the team to take a 1-0 series lead on the road.
Will Smith remains sidelined
As the Dodgers prepare for Game 2, one major question looms over the lineup: the status of All-Star catcher Will Smith. Despite his recent return to action following a hairline fracture in his right hand, Smith has been left out of the starting lineup again. He had previously stepped in for Ben Rortvedt during Game 1 but will not be starting against the Phillies on this occasion.
In a lineup that also sees Max Muncy absent—who traditionally sits against left-handed pitchers—Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has opted to stick with Rortvedt behind the plate for a fourth consecutive game. Miguel Rojas will also take the field at third base, rounding out a lineup that raises eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Smith’s recovery timeline
At 30 years old, Smith is still in the process of recovering from the injury he sustained on September 3. He made a brief appearance in Game 1, where he went 0-for-2 but managed to contribute a run for his team. While he will not start in Game 2, Smith will be available off the bench as the Dodgers face off against left-handed pitcher Blake Snell, matched up against LHP Jesus Lazardo.
As the Dodgers aim to build on their Game 1 success, the decision to bench Smith reflects a cautious approach toward his recovery. With the series still very much in the balance, all eyes will be on how the Dodgers navigate this pivotal matchup without one of their key players in the lineup.
