Dodgers Make Unexpected Will Smith Decision Before Padres Game

Dodgers Make Unexpected Will Smith Decision Before Padres Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a disappointing second half of the season, yet they still find themselves atop the NL West after taking two straight games against the rival San Diego Padres.

One of the team’s biggest offensive contributors, Will Smith, made his presence felt on the defensive end Saturday, catching three runners attempting to steal, accounting for three of San Diego’s first four outs.

The Dodgers’ backstop is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, earning his third consecutive All-Star appearance and currently leading the National League in batting average (.306) and on-base percentage (.413) across 96 appearances.

Smith’s production has remained steady even after the All-Star break, and manager Dave Roberts has made it clear he’ll ensure Smith qualifies for the batting title by keeping him in the lineup regularly.

Smith Starts Third Straight as Dodgers Look to Separate From Padres

To help manage the physical toll of catching, the Dodgers called up top prospect Dalton Rushing in May to give Smith occasional rest. Rushing has taken over the backup role following Austin Barnes’ release, and while he’s shown flashes defensively, he’s struggled at the plate, hitting just .202 in 34 games.

Ahead of the series finale against San Diego—a day game following Saturday night’s matchup—Roberts unexpectedly placed Smith into the starting lineup for a third consecutive game, something he hadn’t done since June.

"Today’s #Dodgers lineup vs. Padres"

Today’s #Dodgers lineup vs. Padres: pic.twitter.com/ajlcUmJZ7k

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 17, 2025

Smith’s Elite Offense Carrying Dodgers in Postseason Push

The decision underscores the importance of Sunday’s game in the divisional race. A win would extend the Dodgers’ lead to two games, while a loss would leave them tied with the Padres.

Smith’s presence in the lineup instantly boosts the Dodgers’ offense, which has been especially critical since Max Muncy landed back on the injured list.

The 30-year-old catcher signed a 10-year, $140 million contract extension prior to the 2024 season, and quickly proved the investment to be a wise one. He played a pivotal role in the team’s run to the 2024 World Series title, marking his second championship with the organization—his first coming in 2020.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 17, 2025, where it first appeared.