Dodgers Catcher Will Smith Says He Is Healthy After Missing Friday Lineup Spot

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith said he is fully recovered from a lower-back issue that caused him to miss time last month. Smith was removed from the starting lineup on Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers but returned on Saturday and produced a hit, a walk, a run and an RBI.

Manager Dave Roberts had moved Smith down in the batting order earlier in the week, citing a need to reduce offensive pressure. Roberts stated that Smith “hasn’t been swinging the bat well for a while now” and that the lineup change was intended to ease focus on offense.

Smith addressed injury concerns directly after Saturday’s game. “I feel good,” he said. “That was just a couple days and it went away. ” Smith also described a mechanical issue at the plate. “Honestly, I feel like I’m hitting fastballs hard,” he said.

“They’re just hard to right field. Especially line drives in the gap that are getting caught. Overall, I’ve been hitting the ball hard—just to right field. ” The Dodgers defeated the Brewers on Saturday after losing the series opener. The two teams remain close in the National League standings.