Dodgers Remove Will Smith From Lineup Before Giants Game
The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to avoid a sweep on Thursday against the San Francisco Giants. Los Angeles has hit its first real road bump of the season, dropping four of its last six games and struggling to generate consistent offense.
One player who has yet to find his stride in 2026 is catcher Will Smith. The 31-year-old has opened the year with a .267 batting average, .341 on-base percentage, .701 OPS, two home runs and 11 RBIs across 23 appearances.
The sample size remains small, and Smith is fully capable of turning things around. He is, after all, a three-time All-Star and widely regarded as the best catcher in the National League.
Unfortunately for Smith, he will not get that chance on Thursday. When the Dodgers announced their lineup for the series finale, Smith was absent, with Dalton Rushing getting the start behind the plate and batting seventh.
His removal, however, had nothing to do with performance or injury. Earlier in the week, manager Dave Roberts told reporters this was the plan all along.
The Dodgers wanted to give Smith a breather before starting him at catcher on both Friday and Saturday. Smith will remain available off the bench as a pinch-hitting option for Roberts.
Dave Roberts told media that Dalton Rushing is also going to catch Thursday's game.
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) April 22, 2026
Will Smith is expected to start tomorrow, Friday and Saturday.
What has helped the Dodgers absorb Smith's slower start is the emergence of Rushing, who has already launched seven home runs in limited playing time. His power has given Los Angeles a legitimate secondary option behind the plate.
Still, Smith remains the unquestioned primary catcher. A platoon is highly unlikely. Since debuting in 2019, he has been a central figure in the Dodgers run of success, playing a key role in delivering three World Series titles. He is also signed to a team-friendly 10-year, $140 million contract that runs through 2033.
And with the Dodgers suddenly searching for answers during their first slump of the season, they will need Smith to rediscover his form quickly.
Related: Dodgers' Freddie Freeman Announces Personal News Amid MLB Season
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 2:41 PM.