Dave Roberts Shares Disappointing Dodgers Decision

The Dodgers are surely hoping that Smith will return to his usual self following the refresh, the one who was a vital part of the team's back-to-back World Series runs. Last season for the Dodgers, Smith hit to a .901 OPS with 17 home runs, 20 doubles and 61 RBIs in 110 games.

Per Baseball Savant, Smith has been fairly unlucky this season. The catcher's expected batting average is 26 points higher than his actual batting average. He also has a great eye at the plate with elite discipline to avoid chasing out of the strike zone.

Luckily for the Dodgers, they have great depth at the catcher position. Backup catcher Dalton Rushing has been crushing this season, with a slash line of .278/.355/.537, good for a .892 OPS, along with eight home runs and 21 RBIs.

Rushing has been so good for the team that they have needed to find ways to keep him in the lineup even when he is not behind the dish.

The issue with Rushing is that he has abysmal defense at the catching position, he ranks in the 16th percentile in the league in Fielding Run Value per Baseball Savant.

Despite Smith's lack of production at the plate this season, Dave Robert's team has thrived offensively. The Dodgers hold the best OPS (.787) and BA (.264) in the entire league.

If Smith can come back following his, hopefully, brief injured list stint and tap into his elite offensively production, the Dodgers lineup will be feared throughout.

The Dodgers own the second best record in baseball at 43-24 and sit atop of the National League West division. They are in heavy pursuit of their third straight World Series title.

The Will Smith-less Dodgers play their series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday.