As the Cardinals and their reasonably solid road record (34-32) head to Dodger Stadium, the reigning back-to-back champs are excited by the return of one of their key players, Will Smith. Out since early June with neck inflammation, Smith is finally ready to go and should slot right back into the middle of the batting order that probably needs him far more than anyone would be comfortable with. While the struggles of the offense in the previous month have been well-documented, the lack of production
from the right-handed group has been a problem for the majority of the season. Between Smith missing so much time, Andy Pages currently on the shelf, and others underperforming, it hasn’t been easy to say the least.
Recent numbers show both sides struggling, but if we consider the whole season, the Dodgers are second in baseball with a wRC+ of 120 among left-handed hitters—that number drops sharply to an even 100 when it comes to right-handed batters. Now, is it ideal to put this much pressure on a hitter who, albeit superb, wasn’t exactly lighting the league on fire prior to his injury? Probably not. However, you play with the hand that you’re dealt, and given how phenomenal Smith was a season ago, it’s relatively acceptable that the team would still heavily rely on him for right-handed power.
This first game back for Smith arrives with him catching a pitcher whose arrival nearly coincided with his injury. Going on the IL shortly after Eric Lauer was acquired, Smith has only worked with the veteran southpaw once, back when Lauer made his Dodgers debut at home against the Rockies. While this team’s undefeated streak with Lauer on the mound came to an end in August, it’s still standing when it comes to home starts—the Dodgers have won in all five of Lauer’s appearances at Dodger Stadium.
Tuesday game info
- Teams: Dodgers vs. Cardinals
- Ballpark: Dodger Stadium
- Start time: 7:10 p.m.
- TV: SportsNet LA
- Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)
