Dodgers: Prospect Will Smith Leaves Triple-A Game with Wrist Injury
Dodgers’ top catching prospect Will Smith left Wednesday’s game for Triple-A Oklahoma City after being hit by a pitch on the right wrist. But not in the way you would think.
Tough blow for Oklahoma City catcher Will Smith. Smith got crossed up by a pitch and appeared to be hit in the wrist. Tried to stay in the game but airmailed a couple of practice throws into LF. He's done.
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) July 18, 2019
He was actually crossed up while catching and took the pitch off of his wrist. The airmailing of the throws into left field was initially a negative sign, but there was some more recent light shed:
Nothing official from the Oklahoma City #Dodgers. But the early reports seem positive for Will Smith. Smith left the game after getting crossed up with a pitch and getting hit in the wrist/hand. Guessing we'll know more tomorrow.
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) July 18, 2019
Smith may have dodged a major bullet and might still be in line to be the Dodgers everyday catcher relatively soon.
With Los Angeles, Smith hit 3 home runs across 29 plate appearances, while chipping in 6 runs batted in and a .269 batting average. With Austin Barnes posting a sub-.500 OPS over the last month, Smith should find his way to the big leagues in short order.
More recently, despite hitting a pair of home runs, he has been in a mini slump since being activated from the IL for an oblique issue. Over his last 6 games, he has a .150 batting average with a .632 OPS. However, he has hit 21 home runs between Triple-A Oklahoma City and Los Angeles combined in 2019.
We will update as more details emerge.
Here we go
Crossing my fingers Will Smith’s injury will Not prevent him from rejoining the Dodgers soon so we can jettison one of those auto-matic outs Barnes/Martin. I don’t care how good of a “pitch-framer” Barnes is. He Can’t hit to save his life.
Can either you or NODH explain to me how in the Dodger’s 2 losses in Philly they hit 9 HR’s? And still come up short? I kind of know the answer but want to see what others say.
The Bullpen and the Dodgers FO insistance on their players’ playing multiple positions and therefore Not being really good at one position e.g. Muncy at 3rd, Pederson at 1st. Even the Phillies announcer Kruk stated that Muncy has played 1st, 2nd, and 3rd consecutively against them(Phillies).
Robin, I think you answered PaulDodgerFan1965’s question about as well as anyone on this board could. We should have taken at least 3/4 of the games played. I am detecting some “issues” developing between Kenley and Roberts. If so, its time to read KJ the riot act. Our BP is very thin, and as PaulDodgerFan1965 has stated in past posts, this weakness will be exposed and exploited by the better teams. In addition, many of the lineups left a lot to be desired; i.e. Barnes especially brings nothing to the plate (excuse the pun). The moment that put a smile on my face was the strong core of Dodger supporters at both the Boston and Philadelphia. They deserved better!!!! Go Blue!!!
Happy Friday, BLUE LOU!! Robin makes a good point on Dodger’s insistance of players playing multiple positions almost on a daily basis. OK for I guess but that won’t cut in the WS should we get there. And the BP? OH well, enough said….
Barne’s time as starting catcher has to end soon or his lack of offense will cost us games as the BP does. Dodgers have been striking out a bit like they did last year lately and they cannot afford to ‘carry’ Barnes offensively IMHO.
AZUL, the last sentence of your above post is right on point – as usual!!!! Barnes is a liability, not a luxury. Smith needs to come up so he can really acclimate himself to major league caliber pitching on a consistent basis prior to the playoffs. Go Blue!!!
Lost in all the continuing bullpen meltdowns (another one today)………..Beaty is 5 for 6 with two doubles, two home runs, four RBI and five runs scored since they brought him back up this week after Taylor’s injury. Marty Lamb (the Dodger scout who signed him) must be really proud. ALL THIS GUY DOES IS HIT! I love it………..I wonder if he has ever tried being a relief pitcher……..Grin!
It is certain that the Dodgers can hit HR’s, but if that is going to be all they strive for, it’ll be a repeat of 2018. Last night vs. the Marlins, they looked sloppy.
And yes, Lou, the time to bring a catcher up is not right before the playoffs.