Dodgers Dave Roberts Talks Relationship Between Hyun-Jin Ryu and Will Smith

Before today’s series finale game vs. the Colorado Rockies, Dave Roberts talked with SportsNetLA’s Alanna Rizzo about the relationship between Hyun-Jin Ryu and rookie catcher, Will Smith.

A lot of the concern comes from the 5.81 ERA over 26 1/3 innings Ryu has thrown to Smith compared to the 1.60 ERA in 123 2/3 innings thrown to Russell Martin. Roberts commented to Rizzo that the relationship is improving and that it’s ultimately up to the veteran pitcher to decide who will man the backstop.

Roberts also spoke with the LA Times about giving Will Smith the opportunities build that relationship with Ryu:

“Yeah, the numbers are important … but I want to give Will another opportunity to get with Hyun-Jin and see how he fares…There’s nothing set in stone as far as catching [in October]. We want to play it out so we can make as educated a decision as possible.” – Dave Roberts to LA Times

As of this story, Ryu has given up 3 runs on two home runs against the Colorado rockies through 7 innings.

Time will tell if things are settling in.