Dodgers' Will Smith Downplays Slump, Stresses Trust Amidst Playoff Struggles

Milwaukee – Dodgers catcher Will Smith is trying to temper concerns over his offensive struggles in the early stages of the postseason, stating that he has "earned everyone's trust" despite a 1-for-19 slump.

"It’s been five games," Smith said Monday morning. "Obviously, want the results to be a little better. But at the end of the day, it’s five games at the plate. No panic from me."

The three-time All-Star’s slump has drawn attention, particularly after a Game 1 loss in the National League Championship Series where he went 0-for-3 and hit into a double play. This performance has shifted fan frustration, previously focused on Shohei Ohtani’s form, towards Smith’s offensive output. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the issue, stating, "He’s not swinging the bat well," and consequently dropped Smith from the No. 3 to the No. 5 spot in the batting order for Game 2.

Smith, however, insists his swing feels good and that he's making solid contact, even if the results aren't reflecting it. "I still feel good up there," he said. "Swinging at the right pitches, taking good pitches."

He noted that in Game 1, all three balls he put in play were hit 95 mph or harder, a threshold he rarely met in the NL Division Series. He also avoided striking out, ending a streak of multiple punchouts in the previous three games, and drew a walk in his final at-bat.

Smith missed significant time during the regular season with a neck injury, but returned to hit .354 over his final 16 games. He believes he is close to breaking out of his current cold spell, attributing his struggles to narrowly missing pitches and good pitching from opponents.

While Roberts initially expressed reluctance to alter the lineup, Smith’s offensive struggles, which have resulted in the second-lowest average (.053) among hitters with at least 10 at-bats this postseason, led to the lineup change.

Despite the offensive woes, Smith’s contributions behind the plate have been praised by Dodgers pitchers. Pitcher Tarik Skubal noted that his focus with Smith is on his defensive performance, highlighting his crucial role in calling games. The Dodgers pitching staff has maintained a 2.05 ERA in the playoffs with Smith catching.

Smith was a consistent offensive producer in the previous year's playoffs, recording at least one hit in 12 of 15 games and hitting two home runs in the World Series. The team will need his bat to be more effective as they continue their series against a Brewers pitching staff that limited them to one run in Game 1.