Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Dodgers Include Will Smith on Wild Card Roster in Bench Role

After clearing live-pitch tests, Los Angeles will carry three catchers with Ben Rortvedt expected to start.

Image
Image
For the first time since he went on the injured list over two weeks ago, there is reason to be optimistic about Dodgers catcher Will Smith’s availability for the start of the postseason. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Aug 31, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) celebrates as he rounds the bases on a walk-off home run in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The Dodgers' 26-man roster for the NL Wild Card Series includes Will Smith despite a hairline fracture in his right hand sustained on Sept. 3.
  • Smith is slated for pinch-hitting and late-game use rather than starting behind the plate, with prospect Dalton Rushing also active at catcher.
  • Smith took live at-bats during Monday’s workout and showed no limitations, a key step that prompted his inclusion.
  • GM Brandon Gomes noted that if Smith is removed due to injury he would be ineligible for the next round should the Dodgers advance.
  • Los Angeles left Michael Conforto off the roster in favor of speedster Justin Dean and set its plan to start Blake Snell in Game 1, Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 2, and probably Shohei Ohtani in a potential Game 3, with Roki Sasaki part of the bullpen mix.