Dodgers All-Star Catcher Returns to Lineup

Will Smith Returns to Dodgers Lineup

Dodging a Bullet

Smith has missed four games after taking a foul ball off his right hand last week in Pittsburgh. Although X-rays were negative, a CT scan revealed a deep bone bruise and prevented Smith from gripping a bat for a couple of days. Luckily, he was able to avoid the injured list. Backup catcher Dalton Rushing can feel his teammate’s pain. The rookie fouled a ball off his shin. Rushing had to be helped off the field a day later in Baltimore. Thankfully, his X-rays were also negative. However, Rushing’s bruise landed him on the 10-day IL. The Dodgers have not released a timeline for his return.

A Shot at the Batting Title

Smith had an incredible first half. He had a batting average that hovered close to .330, and an even more impressive one with runners in scoring position at nearly .400 early in the season. However, the wear and tear of being behind the plate has taken its toll. The All-Star catcher has insisted that his offensive downturn is due to a mechanical flaw in his swing. Still, Smith is batting .302 with 17 home runs and 61 runs batted in. The Dodgers could sure use Smith in first-half form, as they are eight games under .500 since July 3rd, largely due to the team’s inability to produce runs.

Is the Cavalry Finally Coming?

The news of Will Smith’s return comes a day after third baseman Max Muncy rejoined the club after sustaining a ribcage injury. Left-handed reliever Alex Vesia is also active tonight while Ben Casparius was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Tommy Edman is also due to rejoin the Dodgers this week.

Los Angeles needs to be healthy and effective if they are going to win the National League West and make it to October.