Dodgers All-Star opens on unfortunate harm that affected for 9 months

Will Smith is not a stranger to the wear that comes with being a major league capture.

But for months, he had to do with a bone bruising on the ankle – an injury that did not come from the catch.

Eight months ago, Smith slipped painfully in the second base on Yankee Stadium, while trying to interrupt a double game. And rolled the left ankle on the late slide and has since managed the persistent effects.

More news: Dodgers Star believes Padres wins 2024 World Series if they beat in NLDS

“(Is) just blocked all year and did not improve in offseason,” Smith said on Saturday.

Despite the injury, he has never missed time, starting with 117 career games at Catcher while receiving daily treatment.

“It was not, as horrible,” Smith added. “There were certainly different days. … I don’t think he affected anything. Something to really manage. “

More news: MLB Insider Choose the Padres Steaua shocking over several dodgers for the prediction NL MVP

He gave the ankle a rest this season, but he still felt discomfort through the first five halves of his debut in Cactus League.

“You can do all kinds of treatment and everything,” said Smith, “but the only thing that really heals is rest … We look more about why it may not disappear. Sometimes something takes.”

Smith started at a strong beginning in 2024, after signing an extension of 10 years, $ 140 million, hitting .347 with one .929 OPS through 30 games. But its production decreased as the season progressed hit .215 The rest of the road and registered minimum career values ​​(.247), basic percentage (.327), slugging (.433) and OPS (.760). After the All-Star break, he only hit .206 with five rounds home in 48 games and fought in the postsezon, fighting .143.

While Smith did not quote the injury at that time, he now acknowledges that he “could” play a role in his offensive struggles.

More news: Dodgers predicted to change $ 74 million in the second motion -moving base

Manager Dave Roberts also believes that the ankle affected Smith at the plate.

“I think last year, there were a lot of missing pits,” Roberts said. “I think the foot prevented the cradle. I don’t know if he managed to manage it. But I think now, it’s in a very good place.”

Smith worked on the refinement of his swing with what he calls “Super Technical Stuff” and follows a stronger 2025 season.

For more Dodgers news, go to Dodgers on Si.