Main Photo Credits: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Dodgers Near Full Strength for Game Three

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Katherine Wacker | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 3:03 AM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers will have catcher Will Smith starting Wednesday as they hope to clinch the National League Division Series at home against the Philadelphia Phillies. In addition, veteran infielder Miguel Rojas seems none the worse for wear after being pulled from the game in the middle of the sixth inning, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Rojas strained his hamstring on defense in Monday’s game.

Will Smith to Start Behind Plate for Dodgers, Rojas Available Off Bench

Miguel Rojas won’t start tomorrow due to matchup reasons. He did tweak his left hamstring yesterday diving into third base on defense, but Rojas said it’s feeling better today. He’s going through his usual routine.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) October 8, 2025

Back Behind the Plate

The offensive lift that the All-Star gives the Dodgers is clear. Smith delivered a clutch two-out, two-run single on the top of the seventh in a Game Two win against the Philadelphia Phillies. Smith had a .337 batting average with runners in scoring position during the regular season for Los Angeles.

Undervalued Bench Player

Miguel Rojas continued his underrated play in Philadelphia. His diving play at third base preserved a scoreless tie and ultimately the win for Blake Snell and the Dodgers. It was also the play in which Rojas strained his hamstring. A team favorite in the clubhouse, Rojas did admit that he should have thrown to first on the play.