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Dodgers’ Will Smith Has Hairline Hand Fracture, Out for Regular Season With Playoff Status Unclear

Los Angeles will start Ben Rortvedt at catcher pending clarity on Smith’s postseason status.

Will Smith and Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers look on prior to the 93rd MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at T-Mobile Park on July 11, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.
The Dodgers’ Will Smith begins to run the bases as he watches the flight of his walk-off home run during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres on June 18, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
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Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) celebrates after scoring with manager Dave Roberts, right, during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field

Overview

  • Additional imaging late this week revealed a small hairline fracture in Smith’s right hand, and manager Dave Roberts said his availability for the start of the playoffs is "up in the air."
  • Smith was struck by a foul tip on Sept. 3 in Pittsburgh, attempted a brief return on Sept. 9, then was placed on the injured list after symptoms lingered.
  • Roberts said Smith is expected to miss the rest of the regular season; he is wearing a splint and doing activities that avoid stress on his right hand.
  • Ben Rortvedt, acquired at the trade deadline, will receive the lion’s share of catching duties; he has batted .294 in 13 games with the Dodgers and drawn praise for his work with the staff.
  • The Dodgers have clinched a postseason berth and hold a lead in the NL West, compressing the recovery window for Smith, who posted a .296/.404/.497 line with 17 home runs in an All-Star season.