Dodgers Manager Criticizes Catcher Will Smith for Unused Challenges

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts publicly criticized catcher Will Smith for failing to utilize two Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge opportunities during a pivotal Game 2 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Dodgers lost the game 7-4, putting them in a 2-0 series deficit.

Smith had two instances where he could have challenged a borderline call on pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto's pitches to Brewers batter Brice Turang. The first occurred in the first inning with an 0-2 count. Yamamoto threw a splitter that was called a ball. Instead of challenging, Smith consulted with the umpire about whether Turang's bat had crossed the plate, a check that ultimately did not lead to a challenge. Shortly after, Turang reached base on a double and later scored.

Roberts stated his displeasure with Smith's decision, remarking, "I didn’t appreciate that. Will’s got a great view of that; you try to defer to your catchers for challenges. If you look back, that changes the outing."

The second missed challenge opportunity came in the third inning with a full count. A cutter thrown by Yamamoto was also called a ball, but Smith again opted not to challenge. Following this walk, the Brewers offense scored two runs, leading to Yamamoto's early exit after 2 ⅔ innings and 75 pitches.

Smith acknowledged reviewing the missed challenges postgame. "It was kind of early in the game, we kind of had him on the ropes,” Smith said. “I figured we could get him out there. The walk one was a bummer. But it happens. It’s baseball."

Despite the missed opportunities, the Dodgers retained both of their ABS challenges. Beyond the controversial calls, Smith has struggled offensively in the postseason, batting 1-for-23 with one walk and eight strikeouts.