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5h ago

Dodgers Finalize Wild Card Roster: Conforto Out, Will Smith Active as Bench Bat

Los Angeles prioritized bench flexibility over pitching depth to face Cincinnati.

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 16: Justin Dean #75 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during batting practice prior to the game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Tommy Edman, left, celebrates with teammate Teoscar Hernández as he returns to the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the third inning of Game 1 of their National League Wild Card Series against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. Hernandez hit two homers in the 10-5 win. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
With With Smith, pictured, still somewhat limited by a hairline fracture in his right wrist, the Dodgers are carrying three catchers for the Wild Card Series – Smith, Dalton Rushing and Ben Rortvedt – so Smith could be used as a pinch-hitter with Rortvedt and Rushing handling most of the defensive work. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Overview

  • The Dodgers released their 26-man roster for the NL Wild Card Series against the Reds on Sept. 30.
  • Veteran outfielder Michael Conforto was left off after a career-worst season (.199 average, .637 OPS, -0.7 WAR), with Justin Dean taking the final outfield spot for defense and pinch-running.
  • Will Smith made the roster following a hairline fracture in his hand and is expected to be used primarily as a pinch-hitter while Ben Rortvedt and Dalton Rushing handle most catching duties.
  • Manager Dave Roberts cited roster construction needs, including an extra infielder and the choice to carry Smith’s bat over Conforto’s, given recent limitations for Max Muncy and Tommy Edman.
  • Los Angeles carried 11 pitchers and 15 position players, leaving off lefty reliever Anthony Banda despite 71 appearances and a 3.18 ERA, with Clayton Kershaw also omitted after starting the regular-season finale; both could return in later rounds.