Wed Sep 20 2023 | 00:10 | Will Smith Played First Half With Broken Rib |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith acknowledged in a weekend interview that he suffered a fractured rib at the end of April after getting hit by a pitch and played through it, per the Orange County Register's Bill Plunkett. Despite this, the 28-year-old made his first All-Star game after batting .279 with 13 home runs and 46 RBI. Oddly, Smith's second-half production has dropped off, potentially due to swing mechanic changes to compensate. Either way, he has once again been a solid fantasy contributor this season. |
Source: Bill Plunkett - Orange Country Register | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Sep 13 2023 | 18:45 | Will Smith Gets A Rest Day |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is out of the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the San Diego Padres. Fantasy managers don't need to worry as this appears to be a planned rest day for Smith. The right-handed slugger went 2-for-3 with a three-run homer and a double during Tuesday's contest. In his absence, Austin Barnes will cover behind the plate and bat ninth versus left-hander Blake Snell. Barnes won't be an ideal streaming option against Snell in this game. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Aug 30 2023 | 19:21 | Will Smith Receives A Breather |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith will start Wednesday's game against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on the bench. It's a normal day of rest for the All-Star backstop. He should be back in the starting lineup on Thursday for the start of a big weekend series against the Atlanta Braves. With Smith sitting, Austin Barnes is catching and batting in the nine-hole against Diamondbacks rookie right-hander Brandon Pfaadt. The 28-year-old Smith made his first All-Star team in 2023 and is currently hitting .271/.366/.461 with an .826 OPS, 17 home runs, 66 RBI and 67 runs scored in 104 games as one of the better offensive-minded catchers in fantasy in one of baseball's best lineups. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Aug 24 2023 | 16:57 | Will Smith Sitting Out Second Game Thursday |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith will take the second game off on Thursday against the Cleveland Guardians. The Dodgers and Guardians finished up Wednesday's rain-suspended game earlier on Thursday, and Smith caught all nine innings of that contest. The 28-year-old All-Star backstop will rest in the second game and should be back in the starting lineup on Friday for the start of a series against the Boston Red Sox on the road. Austin Barnes is catching and hitting in the nine-hole in the second game on Thursday against Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams. Smith, a first-time All-Star in 2023, is a must-start in all fantasy leagues when he's active. He came into Thursday's action hitting .274 (98-for-358) with 16 home runs and 63 RBI in 99 games for LA. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Aug 17 2023 | 21:56 | Will Smith Now Starting Thursday |
Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is now in the starting lineup on Thursday against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers and right-hander Corbin Burnes, serving as the designated hitter and batting cleanup. Smith was originally set for a day off in the series finale, but he was put back in the lineup when regular DH J.D. Martinez (groin) was scratched due to injury. Fantasy managers will want to get the 28-year-old backstop back in their lineups against the Brewers. Smith has gone 14-for-52 (.269) with two home runs, three doubles, nine RBI, a stolen base and 10 runs scored in 14 games (13 starts) so far in the month of August. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Aug 17 2023 | 19:42 | Will Smith Taking The Day Off |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith will get a regular day of rest on Thursday in the series finale against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers. Austin Barnes is doing the catching and is hitting in the nine-hole against Brewers right-hander Corbin Burnes. Smith should be back in Friday's lineup for the start of a series against the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium, so fantasy managers will want to get him back in their starting lineups then. When in the lineup, the 28-year-old is a must-start in all fantasy leagues with a .277/.378/.469 slash line, .847 OPS, 15 home runs, 61 RBI and 62 runs scored in 339 at-bats. Barnes, who is hitting .123 (15-for-122) with no home runs, should be avoided in DFS. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Aug 1 2023 | 19:16 | Will Smith Starting For Dodgers Tuesday |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (elbow) is back in the starting lineup on Tuesday to face left-hander Ken Waldichuk and the Oakland Athletics. Smith is doing the catching and batting third in the lineup. X-rays came back negative for Smith after he was hit by a pitch in the left elbow of Sunday's series finale against the Cincinnati Reds, and he'll be right back in there for the start of a series against the lowly A's on Tuesday. The 28-year-old backstop needs to be returned to all starting fantasy lineups for the week. Smith continues to be one of the best offensive catchers in the game in an extremely potent Dodgers lineup. He's hitting .279/.388/.474 on the season with an .862 OPS, 13 home runs, 52 RBI and 52 runs scored in 287 at-bats. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Mon Jul 31 2023 | 01:30 | Will Smith Leaves Game Early, X-Rays Negative |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith left Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning after being hit by a pitch on the elbow, but X-rays came back negative. He has officially been diagnosed with a left elbow contusion and hopes to be available for Tuesday's game. This is very good news for both the Dodgers and Smith's fantasy owners, as the backstop has been a consistent bat at a shallow position. That being said, Smith is in a bit of a rut right now, slashing just .269/.333/.385 with one homer in July. The veteran will almost assuredly bounce back in August with more typical production. |
Source: Bill Plunkett | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Jul 26 2023 | 14:43 | Will Smith Hits The Bench Wednesday Afternoon |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is on the bench for Wednesday afternoon's contest against the Toronto Blue Jays and left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. Smith started each of the first two games of the three-game set with the Blue Jays, going 2-for-5 with a double and a run scored on Tuesday, but will predictably take a seat in an afternoon contest following an extra-innings victory on Tuesday evening. Smith has not disappointed fantasy managers who took him off the board early as he's hitting .286 with 13 homers, one stolen base, 52 RBI, 52 runs, and an .878 OPS that easily ranks first among qualified backstops. Austin Barnes will catch and hit ninth on Wednesday. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Sun Jul 16 2023 | 15:01 | Will Smith Absent From Sunday's Lineup |
Los Angeles Dodgers backstop Will Smith is not in the lineup for Sunday's matchup with Max Scherzer and the New York Mets. The slugger remains a top catcher in all of baseball, as he owns a .273/.389/.483 slash line with 13 bombs, 45 runs, 47 RBI, and one steal over 68 games. Austin Barnes will take care of the catching duties instead and bat ninth. Outside of 2017, the 33-year-old hasn't been much of a factor in any fantasy format and is batting just .104 this season across 33 contests. Fantasy managers should leave him on the waiver wire in all leagues. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Jul 6 2023 | 18:26 | Will Smith Missing From Thursday’s Lineup |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is not part of Thursday's lineup versus the Pittsburgh Pirates. It seems to be a day of maintenance for the 28-year-old. Austin Barnes sets up behind the plate to catch Julio Urias and bat ninth for this one. Smith is hitting .272 with 42 runs scored, 12 home runs, 42 RBI, and one stolen base over 224 at-bats this season. Expect the slugging backstop to return to action for a two-game Freeway Series with the Los Angeles Angels starting on Friday. |
Source: Dodgers Twitter | RotoBaller.com |
Sun Jul 2 2023 | 12:20 | Will Smith Being Rested Against Royals |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith will get a breather on Sunday as the team takes on the Kansas City Royals. Smith will get a day off after starting the first two games of the three-game weekend series in Kansas City, and he went 1-for-9 with a triple and a run scored on Friday and Saturday. The 28-year-old All-Star backstop is an elite fantasy catcher with his .276/.396/.495 slash line. He's also sporting an .892 OPS, 12 home runs, nine doubles, a triple, 41 RBI and 39 runs scored in 265 trips to the plate over 61 games. Austin Barnes will do the catching for the Dodgers on Sunday and will hit ninth in the batting order against Royals right-hander Brady Singer. Barnes isn't much of a fantasy option at all while hitting just .101 (9-for-89) on the year with no homers and five RBI. |
Source: Baseball Press | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Jun 29 2023 | 17:24 | Will Smith Resting Against Rockies |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith will receive the day off on Thursday as the club takes on the Colorado Rockies. Instead, Austin Barnes will do the catching for the Blue on Thursday and hit in the nine-hole against Rockies right-hander Chase Anderson in a great matchup. Smith hasn't had his best month in June, as he's hitting .229 (16-for-70) in 21 games, but he's still managed four home runs, 11 RBI and 10 runs scored in his 87 plate appearances. And overall the 28-year-old All-Star remains one of the best hitting catchers in fantasy with a .283/.404/.502 slash line, a .906 OPS, 12 long balls, nine doubles, 41 RBI and 38 runs scored in 255 trips to the plate over 59 games played. Smith should be back behind the dish on Friday for the start of a weekend series in Kansas City. |
Source: Baseball Press | RotoBaller.com |
Wed May 31 2023 | 14:40 | Will Smith Returns To Starting Lineup Wednesday |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is back in the starting lineup Wednesday afternoon against Washington Nationals left-hander Patrick Corbin. Smith not only got Tuesday's game off but with the Dodgers off on Monday, he is technically on two days' rest entering Wednesday's contest. Smith has been a massive asset for fantasy managers this season as he's hitting .305 with seven home runs and a .930 OPS across 163 trips to the plate. Furthermore, he sports an eye-popping 1.79 BB/K, striking out in just 8.6% of his plate appearances. He will slide back into the three-hole and catch right-hander Noah Syndergaard Wednesday in Los Angeles. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Sun May 28 2023 | 09:32 | Will Smith, James Outman Both Sitting On Sunday |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith and outfielder James Outman are not in Sunday's lineup for an early 11:35 am first-pitch time against the Tampa Bay Rays. It's a routine day off for the backstop, Smith, who is exceptionally slashing .315/.418/.535 with seven homers and 28 RBI this season. Expect the 28-year-old to return for Monday's series opener with the Washington Nationals. For the center fielder, Outman, it's not only a matchup-based absence against southpaw Josh Fleming, but perhaps a respite during a trying 0-for-15 skid. Fantasy managers hope that the 26-year-old hurdles the rookie wall soon, but he's still producing a sufficient .240/.330/.485 slash line with nine long balls, 28 RBI, and five stolen bases this season. |
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers Twitter | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 20 2023 | 16:30 | Will Smith Gets Rest Day On Saturday |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is out of the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. This appears to be a routine day off after Smith had caught three straight games for the Dodgers. That being said, Austin Barnes will start behind the plate and bat ninth versus right-hander Miles Mikolas on Saturday. Fantasy managers should adjust their lineups accordingly with Smith out here. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Sun May 14 2023 | 14:24 | Will Smith Starting On The Bench Sunday |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith isn't starting Sunday's contest against Ryan Weathers and the San Diego Padres. The backstop is slashing .322/.417/.598 with six homers, 19 runs, 20 RBI, and a stolen base and continues to provide some of the best numbers from his position. Austin Barnes will be behind the plate in his place, batting ninth. The 33-year-old doesn't have much in his bat and owns a .093 batting average with no home runs so far through 19 games. It's safe to say fantasy managers should leave Barnes on the waiver wire. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Mon May 8 2023 | 16:35 | Will Smith To Receive Rest Day |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is out of the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The 28-year-old will get a much-needed rest day after catching six times and serving as the designated hitter three times since returning from injury on April 29. Smith has been hot at the plate, slashing .306/.411/.556 with four home runs and 16 RBI early in the season. Austin Barnes will be behind the plate and bat ninth versus right-hander Freddy Peralta on Monday. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 28 2023 | 21:57 | Will Smith Activated And Serving As DH Friday |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (concussion) has been activated from the injured list on Friday and is serving as the designated hitter while batting third in the lineup against the St. Louis Cardinals and right-hander Jack Flaherty. Things were trending this way for the 28-year-old backstop since Thursday, so fantasy managers should have already been ready to get him back into their lineups to kick off the weekend. Smith hasn't played since suffering a head injury on April 12, but the All-Star backstop is good to go and should return to catching duties before long for LA. In his first 11 games before his injury, Smith went 13-for-39 (.333) with three doubles, three home runs and 12 RBI. |
Source: Southern California News Group - J.P. Hoornstra | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 28 2023 | 12:05 | Will Smith Likely To Return Friday Night |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (concussion) will likely return from the injured list on Friday night as the team's designated hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals with J.D. Martinez still dealing with a lower-back issue. As long as Smith comes out of his live batting practice session on Friday without any setbacks, he will be activated from the concussion injured list to return to LA's starting lineup. The 28-year-old backstop has been out since suffering a head injury on April 12, but he's been symptom-free for a while now and is ready to go. Fantasy managers should be ready to get one of the best offensive catchers in baseball back into their starting lineups. Smith is currently hitting .333 (13-for-39) with three doubles, three home runs and 12 RBI in 11 games. |
Source: 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh | RotoBaller.com |