The Los Angeles Dodgers have enjoyed a successful back half of September, but it’s been accompanied by mounting injury concerns as the start of the Wild Card Series draws near.
The Dodgers began their final series of the regular season still without Max Muncy and Tommy Edman in the lineup for the second consecutive game because of respective ailments. Edman again is being slowed by right ankle trouble, while Muncy is battling some leg issues.
Meanwhile, Brock Stewart is set to undergo season-ending right shoulder surgery, and the Dodgers still aren’t certain of the likelihood Will Smith makes a recovery from his hand fracture in time for the start of the playoffs.
Manager Dave Roberts could only say that Smith being on the Dodgers’ postseason roster for the best-of-three series is a hope of his, per Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
Little has changed in Will Smith’s recovery from a hand fracture, with Roberts saying he was “hoping” — but not “hopeful” — about the catcher being available for next week’s best-of-three wild-card round.
Smith has been dealing with right hand trouble since being hit by a foul ball in the second inning during the Dodgers’ game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sept. 2. He initially remained in the game but was pinch-hit for in the third inning.
The Dodgers kept Smith on their active roster despite the fact that he didn’t play again until one week later. There was an expectation he would be back Sept. 8 but the Dodgers decided to delay to the following night with the hope Smith would ultimately start two of the three games against the Colorado Rockies.
Smith was on target to do so but got scratched shortly before first pitch on Sept. 10 because of swelling in his right hand. That led to Smith going on the 10-day injured list the next afternoon.
He’s kept active with some drills and catching bullpen sessions, but hitting and throwing a baseball remain have not been accomplished. Though, Smith did note he was improving each day, even if incrementally.
Ben Rortvedt replacing Will Smith
In the event Smith is not ready for the start of the playoffs, the Dodgers will stick with Ben Rortvedt as their starting catcher. He assumed the role in the wake of injuries to both Smith and Dalton Rushing, and remained the Dodgers’ primary catcher even once the former top prospect returned from a shin contusion.
Rortvedt has earned regular praise from Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, Roberts and teammates alike.
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