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Will Smith is in a slump, but benching him isn’t an option for Dodgers

Will Smith's vital contributions at catcher means the Dodgers can't afford to bench him even though he has struggled mightily at the plate this postseason.

Published: Monday, 12 October 2026 at 5:30 AM
Will Smith is in a slump, but benching him isn’t an option for Dodgers
Key Things to Know
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers will not bench struggling catcher Will Smith despite his prolonged postseason slump.
  • Manager Dave Roberts has considered lineup order adjustments following Smith's 1-for-32 playoff stretch.
  • The Dodgers fell into a 2-0 NLCS deficit after losing Game 1 2-1 and Game 2 7-4 to Milwaukee.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is enduring a severe postseason batting slump, but manager Dave Roberts has firmly decided against benching him. Despite Smith's prolonged struggles at the plate, which include a 1-for-32 postseason slide, the club continues to rely on his regular presence in the lineup during the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Dodgers fell behind in the series following a 2-1 defeat in Game 1 and a subsequent 7-4 loss in Game 2. While Roberts has considered potential adjustments to the batting order, the organization continues to trust Smith's overall reliability behind the plate as they head home facing an 0-2 series deficit.

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