Dodgers' Smith has hairline hand fracture, playoff status unclear

Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star catcher Will Smith has been diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his right hand following additional testing, manager Dave Roberts announced Saturday, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.

Smith, who was already on the 10-day injured list with what was initially diagnosed as a hand contusion, is unlikely to return before the end of the regular season. While Roberts is optimistic that Smith will play again in 2025, his status for the playoffs is unclear.

"Optimistic he's going to come back at some point, but doubtful it will be the regular season," Roberts said, according to Jill Painter Lopez of The Associated Press. "Having him available for the postseason, we're still hopeful. I think it's good, and we have clarity. It was kind of, 'I don't understand why it's not feeling good.' Another scan came in and revealed it."

Smith sustained the injury when he was struck in the hand by a foul tip during the Dodgers' Sept. 3 game at Pittsburgh. He played in only one of the team's next eight games before being placed on the IL on Sept. 13.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed another solid campaign for L.A., hitting .296/.404/.497 with 17 homers and 61 RBIs as the Dodgers' primary catcher. Smith was named to his third straight National League All-Star team and was the Senior Circuit's starter for the first time in his career.

Roberts said Ben Rortvedt will receive the bulk of the playing time behind the plate while Smith is sidelined, per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times. Rookie Dalton Rushing will serve as the backup to Rortvedt.

The Dodgers have one other catcher on the 40-man roster, Chuckie Robinson, who's currently in Triple-A.