Dodgers News: Will Smith is a Little Behind Schedule After Barely Playing in WBC
Dodgers catcher Will Smith had the honor of participating with Team USA in the recently concluded World Baseball Classic. The only downside to his playing in the tournament was that he spend two weeks away from the Dodgers.
During that time, he wasn't considered the number one catcher for the US squad, so he's missed a fair amount of playing time this spring. And that's something Dave Roberts wants to address quickly.
Speaking with reporters before Wednesday night's game, Dave laid out the plan for Smitty with the catcher expected to play 4 out of the next 7 games.
"I'm expecting Will to be in the lineup (on Thursday). He hasn't played a whole lot this spring so he needs to play and get ready for our season." ... “I am mindful of Will. He got to be a part of it but didn’t play that much. He’s still got to get ready, log innings behind the plate and take at-bats.”
Smith hit 2 hits in 10 at-bats -- a double and a home run -- over the 3 games he got into. He walked twice and scored 3 runs. Austin Barnes, who was in the starting lineup for LA on Wednesday, got into a bit more action with Team Mexico. In 5 games, Barnes went 5-18 and walked 4 times.
Opening day is one week away and the Dodgers play only 6 more spring training games, including the 3 game freeway series in Southern California starting this Sunday. There should be enough time for the 27-year-old catcher to get ready for the regular season.
