The Los Angeles Dodgers are due to hold their first full-squad workout of Spring Training on Saturday as the start of their Cactus League schedule approaches next week.
The Dodgers again are facing a condensed Spring Training schedule due to opening the regular season internationally, and this year it comes on the heels of a shortened offseason for the reigning World Series champions.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently acknowledged Evan Phillips (tear in back of right rotator cuff) and Michael Kopech (right forearm inflammation) are behind in camp because of respective injuries and could begin the season on the injured list.
According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, Roberts has now shared Will Smith is currently limited by an ankle injury:
Will Smith is dealing with an ankle issue and “a little behind,” Dave Roberts said. He added that Smith has been running on an Alter-G treadmill.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 14, 2025
Smith has been part of Dodgers workouts thus far but it’s currently unclear if he will be in their lineup when they play the Chicago Cubs on Feb. 20. Smith did catch Tyler Glasnow’s bullpen session Friday morning and was on the list of players scheduled to take live batting practice.
Smith is just removed from appearing in 128 games, the third-highest of his career for a single season. Smith’s career high is 137 games played in 2022.
He struggled throughout most of 2024 and finished the season batting .248/.327/.433 with 24 doubles, 20 home runs and 75 RBI. Smith’s .760 on-base plus slugging percentage represented a steep decline from career averages.
This season is the second of a 10-year, $140 million contract extension Smith signed in March 2024.
Dodgers backup plan to Will Smith
If Smith is to miss Cactus League games or beginning of the regular season, it would elevate Austin Barnes into a starting role and presumably create another opportunity for Hunter Feduccia.
Feduccia made his MLB debut last season and spent four separate stints up with the Dodgers, though only appearing in five games.
The Dodgers could also choose to call up top prospect Dalton Rushing for his MLB debut, but he would first need to be added onto their 40-man roster.
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