Will Smith made his return to the Dodgers lineup after recovering from a left ankle injury that impacted his performance last season. Manager Dave Roberts indicated the issue likely contributed to Smith's struggles at the plate, which saw significant declines in his statistics following a lucrative 10-year, $140 million contract extension. Smith, though having returned to play, is managing a bone bruise and remains optimistic, attributing past performance issues more to mechanical factors than the injury itself. As the regular season approaches, his condition will be closely monitored.
'Two years ago there was the rib situation. I think last year, the ankle. It's the ankle, so kind of holding the ground, not being able to get inside of it, I think that played a part,' Roberts said.
Smith downplayed the notion that the injury caused struggles at the plate, which Smith believes were more mechanical than injury-related.”
'I just don't think it's something that's going to go away anytime soon,' Roberts conceded.
Smith's .760 on-base plus slugging percentage was the lowest of his career.
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