Will Smith returns to the field as Dodgers face Phillies in playoffs
- Will Smith had suffered a hand fracture in early September, limiting his playing time.
- He was announced on the active roster for the Wild Card series but did not play.
- Smith made his return by pinch hitting in NLDS Game 1, indicating a cautious but hopeful comeback.
In the United States, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the Philadelphia Phillies during the National League Division Series, which started recently. All-Star catcher Will Smith had been struggling with a hand injury that resulted in a fracture early in September, limiting his game appearances significantly. He was part of the Dodgers' active roster during the Wild Card series, but did not play in any of those games. As the team prepared for the postseason, there was uncertainty whether Smith would be ready for gameplay due to his injury. Management had noted that he had improved but wanted to be cautious given his lack of recent action. Entering NLDS Game 1, Smith's status was questionable; however, during the game, he was utilized as a pinch hitter in the fifth inning and subsequently took over catching duties. This marked his reintroduction to competitive play post-injury. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that the initial game against the Phillies would be a chance for Smith to regain his composure after being off the field for an extended period. With the urgency of the playoffs, there was a balance to maintain between Smith's recovery trajectory and the team's desire to win. Conversations prior to the game underscored that Smith was still in the process of rehabbing both his hand and maintaining his overall condition for play. The outcome of Smith's performance would influence considerations for his potential full-time play in subsequent games of the series. In the event he did not start in Game 2, catcher Ben Rortvedt would likely remain behind the plate, with Smith filling in as a pinch hitter.