The Los Angeles Dodgers have counted on getting healthy for the final month of the regular season and into October, but now have a new injury concern with Will Smith.
He was removed in the third inning of Wednesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, with Dalton Rushing pinch-hitting. That came after the SportsNet LA broadcast showed Smith taking a foul ball off his right hand in the bottom of the second inning.
That occurred during the second of six batters the Pirates sent to the plate during the second inning. Smith had a brief conversation with Dodgers trainer Thomas Albert before initially putting on his helmet and batting gloves in the third inning.
He was called back after Mookie Betts struck out looking. Smith went 0-for-1 prior to his early exit.
The Dodgers announced Smith came out of the game due to a right hand contusion. He presumably will undergo testing to determine the full extent of a potential hand injury.
The greatest concern, of course, being a possible fracture that would put Smith’s availability for the postseason in jeopardy.
He entered Wednesday’s game at PNC Park batting .297/.406/.499 with 19 doubles, 17 home runs and 61 RBI. The Dodgers have aggressively managed Smith’s workload throughout the year in effort to avoid the second-half decline in production he had become prone to over recent seasons.
How would Dodgers handle a Will Smith injury?
If Smith is to miss extended time, it likely would create an everyday opportunity for Rushing. He’s admittedly struggled adjusting to part-time role since making his MLB debut, but the Dodgers have remained confident and patient.
Manager Dave Roberts on multiple occasions has emphasized the Dodgers are primarily focused on Rushing contributing defensively and meshing with the pitching staff.
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