Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith had a humorous response when asked whether or not he would want to serve as the Dodgers’ designated hitter as his career went on.
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.”
The 30-year-old catcher suffered a hairline fracture against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sept. 3, though returned to the lineup just six days later against the Colorado Rockies. He reaggravated his injury in his return appearance, and landed on the injured list Sept. 13.
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Backup catcher Dalton Rushing also sustained an injury during that period, forcing the Dodgers to play Ben Rortvedt, who stepped up as a solid option in their absence.
The Dodgers reinstated Smith from the injured list Sept. 29.
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.
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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. His .901 OPS was the best he had recorded since the shortened 2020 season.
Smith will play a huge role for the Dodgers in the NLCS, as he will likely be their everyday starter against the Milwaukee Brewers or Chicago Cubs. The Brewers and Cubs play Game 5 of their NLDS series Saturday, and the winner will advance to face the Dodgers on Monday, Oct. 13.
Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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