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Dodgers Facing Decision After Will Smith News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 8:15 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers are likely heading into a wild card series whether they clinch the NL West or finish behind the San Diego Padres — which is disappointing considering the expectations the organization had heading into the season to repeat as World Series champions.

The Dodgers, however, do clearly have the ability to make a deep postseason run, but they will need their stars fully healthy to do so. All-Star catcher Will Smith was recently placed on the injured list last Saturday after he experienced a setback in his right hand bone bruise.

Unfortunately, it is expected to continue affecting the Dodgers’ backstop even when he returns and will just have to be managed until the offseason. This is a disappointing development, as Smith will not be at full strength while in the midst of one of his most impressive seasons. Along with taking a step forward defensively, the 30-year-old has posted a .296 batting average, .404 on-base percentage, .901 OPS, 17 home runs and 61 RBIs over 110 appearances.

Dave Roberts Makes Decision After Latest Will Smith Injury Update

Ahead of the series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Dodgers announced via manager Dave Roberts that the team is trying to give Smith more time to heal before the playoffs — and he has made minimal progress in his recovery. Smith still is not likely to face live pitching until next week and will not come off the injured list when first eligible (h/t Jack Harris of The Los Angeles Times).

Roberts also revealed that although Smith’s backup, Dalton Rushing, is healthy and available, he will continue to start Ben Rortvedt for the next two games — making it three straight Rortvedt has gotten the call over Rushing. Roberts continued to praise Rortvedt’s effectiveness in handling the pitching staff.

With Rortvedt logging more starts than Rushing despite both being healthy, the Dodgers will face an impactful roster decision heading into October. Roberts and the front office will have to decide whether to place Rushing or Rortvedt on the roster as Smith’s backup (assuming Smith is activated in time).

In the meantime, Ben Rortvedt is starting over Dalton Rushing for the second-straight game today

Dave Roberts praised how Rortvedt has handled the staff, and said he will likely be behind the plate tomorrow too. Rushing set to catch Clayton Kershaw on Saturday
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) September 17, 2025

Rushing remains one of Los Angeles’s top prospects, and his call-up in May had a lot of hype given his performance in the minor leagues. However, the 24-year-old rookie has disappointed thus far in limited playing time — batting .189 with a .547 OPS in 46 games.

Rortvedt arrived in Los Angeles at the trade deadline and provided the organization with much-needed depth behind Smith and Rushing. When both of them went down, Rortvedt stepped up, and pitchers have praised the way he calls games behind the plate. He has also been a pleasant surprise at the plate — batting .286 with a .732 OPS in 11 games for Los Angeles.

With October baseball approaching, the Dodgers will be forced to choose between the two backup catchers due to the limited roster space.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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