"Smith has been adamant he wants to remain as the Dodgers' catcher, even after suffering a hand injury which kept him sidelined for most of September. He didn't entertain the idea of filling in as the team's designated hitter during his recovery. "We've got a pretty good DH," Smith said, referring to three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani. "I think we're pretty set on that.""
"Smith made his first appearance since coming back from his injury in Game 1 of the Dodgers' NLDS matchup against the Phillies, and worked his way up to starting in Game 3. He has 13 at-bats this postseason, recording two hits with two RBIs and a run. The Dodgers will be glad to have Smith back, as he was one of their best performers at the plate during the regular season. The catcher batted .296 this season, hitting 17 home runs and 61 RBIs."
Will Smith suffered a hairline fracture against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sept. 3, returned six days later against the Colorado Rockies, then reaggravated the injury and was placed on the injured list Sept. 13. The Dodgers reinstated Smith Sept. 29. Smith made his first appearance after returning in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Phillies and later started Game 3, recording two hits, two RBIs and a run in 13 postseason at-bats. Backup Dalton Rushing also sustained an injury, prompting Ben Rortvedt to step in. Smith hit .296 with 17 home runs, 61 RBIs and a .901 OPS during the regular season. He is expected to be the everyday catcher in the NLCS.
Read at Dodgers Nation
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