Will Smith has hit just .159/.312/.270 with a double, two home runs and nine RBI in 19 games (18 starts) during August. His workload has increased as the Dodgers approach the stretch run while manager Dave Roberts ensures Smith qualifies for the National League batting title. Smith attributes the slump to mechanical issues and says he is working to clean them up and dig out of the slump. The Dodgers have prioritized rest for Smith, but he recently started three consecutive games behind the plate for the first time since June. Roberts will determine nightly playing time between Smith and Dalton Rushing based on a "read and react" approach.
I think just mechanical things have crept in that I'm working on cleaning up," Smith explained. "It's baseball. There's highs and lows, so at some point there was going to be a slump or whatever you want to call it. "But not worried. Just continue to work, continue to do what I've always done, and dig my way out.
Smith has seen his workload increase with the Dodgers entering the stretch run and manager Dave Roberts doing everything he can to make sure he qualifies for the National League batting title at the end of the season.
With the Dodgers in a crucial part of their season, Roberts said he will determine the playing time between Smith and Dalton Rushing on a nightly basis. "That's a read and react. I think right now, I'm reacting," Roberts said of the plan for Smith going forward. "It makes sense."
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