Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Doesn’t Know When Will Smith Will Return to Action
The Dodgers aren't expecting to get star catcher Will Smith back this weekend. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke to reporters on Thursday, ahead of the team's series opener against the Cubs in Chicago. He was asked about Smith, who was technically eligible to come off the seven-day concussion IL on Thursday.
However, Roberts confirmed that they would not be taking Smith off the injured list and, moreover, that he wouldn't be back for any of the four games in Chicago this weekend.
Roberts hinted at the possibility of Smith returning in the Dodgers' next series against the Pirates in Pittsburgh, but didn't sound so confident about that, either.
"With Will, each passing day gets a little bit better, Roberts said. "I still don’t see him playing in this series. So, with the off day coming on Monday, the hope is that we’ll get him potentially in that next series."
The Dodgers next game after the Chicago series is Tuesday in Pittsburgh, which sounds like the hopeful target return date. If he comes back then, it'll be just under two weeks since he sustained the concussion.
Who Will Replace Smith in the Dodgers Lineup?
In Smith's absence, the Dodgers will continue to rely on the Austins — Austin Barnes and Austin Wynns — as the team's two catchers. The lineup has greatly missed Smith's presence and consistent at-bats, as he was hitting .333/.417/.641 with three home runs and 12 RBIs before sustaining the injury.
Barnes is off to a rough start this season, getting just one hit in his first 25 at-bats. He's currently slashing .040/.111/.040 with one single, two walks and one stolen base. He hasn't been able to give the Dodgers a good at-bat, and it's really hurting them at the bottom of the lineup.
Wynns has a much smaller sample size, although he matched Barnes' hit total in his first at-bat, when he hit a two-run double. He's struggled since, though, only making the Dodgers miss Smith in the lineup more.
So When Should We Expect to See Smith in the Lineup?
The Dodgers would love to have Smith back in the lineup soon, but obviously his health is the most important thing.
A concussion is a very serious issue, and not something you want to try to rush back from.
We'll continue to update you on when Smith could return, but at this point, it sounds like Tuesday against the Pirates is the target date. If that's the case, it will have been 13 days in between getting the concussion and returning to the field. Get well soon, Will!
