High-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes catcher Will Smith was named the California League Player of the Week for games April 17-23. Smith was selected out of Louisville by the Los Angeles Dodgers at No. 32 overall in the 2016 Draft.
In the seven games for which he was honored, Smith went 11-for-25, batting .440/.548/.920 with three doubles, three home runs, six RBI and five walks. He added four stolen bases to boot, without being caught.
Two of Smith’s home runs and four RBI came Sunday in a win over the Inland Empire 66ers (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim affiliate).
On Wednesday, Smith extended his hitting streak, which began April 15, to 11 games with a triple in his first at-bat. The 22-year-old entered the day batting .327/.433/.582 in 16 games this season.
Smith is similar to Austin Barnes in the athleticism he offers behind the plate, versatility to play the infield, and offensive approach. He was ranked the organization’s No. 13 prospect heading into the 2017 season by Jared Massey.
Smith is the second Quakes player to receive recognition this season from the Cal League. Right-hander Mitchell White was named the circuit’s Pitcher of the Week for his performance during the first 11 days.
