The Los Angeles Dodgers were without both of their catchers this past week in a concerning development with the postseason nearing.
All-Star backstop Will Smith was placed on the IL on Sept. 13 (retroactive to Sept. 10) after taking a foul ball off his hand on Sept 3, and rookie catcher Dalton Rushing hit the injured list with a right shin contusion last week, but was recalled on Tuesday.
With Smith being eligible to be activated off the IL on Saturday, manager Dave Roberts spoke on his recovery.
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“There might be some one-handed swings. I don’t know if he’s going to be using his top hand,” Roberts said. “As far as the throwing, I’m not sure about that. It’s kind of a day-to-day thing with that.”
As for possible activation, Roberts thinks that it will depend on where Smith is at in his rehab process.
“I think as the days get closer it’s going to be contingent on what he’s doing,” Roberts said. “If two days out from the potential activation if he’s taking lives (live batting practice) then it’s more plausible, right? If he’s not then probably not (on Saturday).
“Each day hopefully will be better.”
Roberts also reported that Smith is still catching bullpen sessions and “trying to keep his body moving.” Without fully throwing or hitting, there won’t be a clear picture of when fans can expect to see the All-Star back behind the plate.
In Smith’s last 20 games this season, he is hitting .210 with a .726 OPS. Although his production has been trending downwards, there is no doubt that he is the best option for LA come October.
In the meantime, Ben Rortvedt has been doing a phenomenal job holding it down. In his 11 appearances in Dodger blue, Rortvedt is hitting .286/.375/.357 with a .732 OPS. He also brings immense value defensively and with his above-average framing ability.
As October looms, all Smith can do is keep focusing on his health and making a return to the lineup before the regular season commences.
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Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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