When Dave Roberts sent Dalton Rushing to pinch hit in the third inning against the Pirates, fans instantly knew something was wrong. Will Smith had taken a foul ball off the body in the second, and now one of the Dodgers’ most important bats was suddenly missing from the lineup card.
After the game, Roberts gave an update that quieted fears: X-rays came back negative. Smith has swelling and soreness, but there’s no fracture. For now, he’s considered day-to-day.
X-rays show no fracture
The Dodgers didn’t waste time running tests. Trainers moved quickly to get imaging after Smith exited, and the clean results eased concerns of a major setback. Roberts admitted it would be hard to imagine Smith suiting up immediately, but the team is taking the news as a win. “He’s sore. There’s some swelling. X-ray is negative, so that’s a positive,” Roberts said.
Why Smith’s health matters this much
Smith isn’t just another hitter; he’s the Dodgers’ centerpiece behind the plate. His ability to manage pitchers, block tough pitches in the dirt, and provide consistent offense makes him one of the most complete catchers in the game. Smith is hitting .296, which is fourth in the National League in batting average.
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The timing of his injury scare couldn’t be more critical. The Dodgers have been an unpredictable group lately, dropping games to weaker opponents while stealing wins against contenders. Smith’s presence is often the steadying force that keeps the lineup from unraveling during tough stretches.
Dalton Rushing’s chance to step in
If there is one bright spot, it’s that the Dodgers kept Rushing through the trade deadline. The rookie catcher has flashed power and plate discipline, even if he’s still adjusting to big-league pitching. Giving him more starts while Smith recovers could prove valuable in the long run.
Rushing doesn’t bring the same defensive polish, but his bat has shown signs of developing into another dangerous weapon. For a Dodgers team that has struggled to find consistency, his audition could be an unexpected boost.
Dodgers’ playoff push adds urgency
Los Angeles doesn’t have much margin for error heading into the final stretch of the season. The National League playoff race is a wild one, with Los Angeles starting Thursday 2.5 games ahead of the San Diego Padres in the National League West.
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