The Los Angeles Dodgers (81-64) have gotten back on track after winning three straight games, looking to complete the sweep on Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies.
The Dodgers seemed to be getting healthy at the right time as catcher Will Smith made his return to the lineup on Tuesday, not missing a beat, launching a double in his first at-bat back.
Smith had been dealing with a bone bruise in his right hand after being struck by a foul ball inadvertently on September 3, leaving a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
His return came one day after All-Star teammate Max Muncy also made his return to the team’s starting lineup, as the Dodgers push for another NL West division title.
Will Smith Injury Update
The Dodgers also welcomed back Tommy Edman to the lineup ahead of Wednesday’s series finale, and the lineup looked the strongest it had in over a month—yet unexpectedly, Smith was removed just minutes before gametime.
Moments later, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that the reason for Smith’s removal was because he had felt a flare in his right hand.
“Dave Roberts told SNLA that Will Smith’s hand ‘flared up on him’ before tonight’s game, per @kirsten_watson. Smith has been playing through a bone bruise on his right hand he suffered on a foul ball last week,” wrote The Los Angeles Times’ Jack Harris.
Dave Roberts told SNLA that Will Smith's hand "flared up on him" before tonight's game, per @kirsten_watson
Smith has been playing through a bone bruise on his right hand he suffered on a foul ball last week https://t.co/PmXZQryV5g
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) September 11, 2025
This is an unfortunate but not unexpected development, as Roberts previously mentioned that Smith would have to manage the injury for the rest of the season.
Regardless, Smith’s availability for the final three weeks will play a major role in the Dodgers’ postseason seeding.
Smith made his third consecutive All-Star appearance in 2025 and has largely been in contention for the National League batting title—though as of Wednesday, he does not qualify.
If he did, he would rank second behind only Trea Turner of the Philadelphia Phillies. Regardless, the 30-year-old catcher has had another impressive season, posting a .296 batting average, .404 on-base percentage, .901 OPS, 17 home runs and 61 RBIs.
Smith has also been an extremely clutch hitter, providing the Dodgers with timely hitting and taking steps forward defensively. His status will be monitored moving forward as October approaches.
