Dodgers News: Will Smith Seems to Have Avoided Major Injury, X-Rays Negative
Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star catcher Will Smith left Sunday's 9-0 loss against the Cincinnati Reds early after getting hit on the elbow by a pitch in the first inning.
After some immediate concern as to the severity of the injury, Smith provided an update on his elbow postgame, and it looks like it won't be a long term issue.
“X-rays were negative, so just got some treatment and got an off day tomorrow, so I guess more of that and hopefully back in there Tuesday.” (Dodgers catcher Will Smith via SportsNet LA)
Smith's positive update is welcome news for the Dodgers, given both the first time All-Star's great season and Austin Barnes' struggles offensively throughout the year.
The 28-year-old currently has a .860 OPS, a mark that would be a career high for a full season. He's been a power threat as well, as he's hit 13 home runs and 15 doubles on the year, both on pace to be a career best.
As Smith mentioned, the Dodgers have an off day on Monday and play the American League last place Oakland Athletics on Tuesday, the same day as MLB's trade deadline.
The Dodgers have been linked to multiple reinforcements, especially on the pitching side with starters Mitch Keller and Jack Flaherty still available. Time will tell if LA adds another pitcher to the team after acquiring starter Lance Lynn and reliever Joe Kelly earlier this week, but the need for a starter has become more pronounced with Clayton Kershaw still on the shelf with shoulder soreness.
LA hasn't had the best luck when it comes to staving off injuries this year, but they may have caught a significant break with one of the best catchers in the game. Hopefully for the Dodgers, everything keeps going well for Smith on that front and he's able to be in the lineup for Tuesday's series opener.
