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
Will Smith will get his first full start at catcher since September 9th. He has been out with a hairline fracture in his right hand due to a foul ball. Initial tests failed to catch the break. However, when the swelling persisted, other tests revealed it. Smith has been coming in mid-game the last couple of outings. According to Manager Dave Roberts, that is “to manage his workload.” To his credit, rookie Ben Rortvedt has been doing a masterful job at handling the pitching staff in Smith’s absence. Rortvedt, who was acquired via the Tampa Bay Rays, has even shown some life with his bat.
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.
Closing It Out?
The Dodgers will have staff ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound tomorrow in hopes of advancing to the National League Championship Series.
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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