Despite nagging ankle issue, Will Smith feels swing in ‘good spot’ after recent struggles
LA TimesOn June 8 last year, during the Dodgers’ highly anticipated midseason series at Yankee Stadium, Will Smith ran hard trying to beat a throw. “It just stuck around all year,” Smith said, “and didn’t get better in the offseason.” Chalk it up as one more thing that went awry for the Dodgers catcher last year. “It just kind of is what it is.” Smith made his spring debut Friday night and said his ankle felt 100% as he went 0 for 3 and spent five innings behind the plate in the Dodgers’ win against the Angels. “Four months hasn’t helped the pain go away.” Neither Smith nor Roberts could say how much it influenced last year’s struggles at the plate. “But I think that certainly played a part.” The good news: Smith said his swing is in a better spot than during the second half of last year, something he credited to changes in his mechanics; mostly, staying more inside the ball to create “room for my hands to work.” “There are definitely some mechanical things I was doing last year that I need to clean up,” Smith said.
History of this topic
After ‘long funk’ and struggles with fastballs, has Will Smith rediscovered his swing?
LA Times
Will Smith hits three home runs as offense carries Dodgers past Brewers
LA Times
Will Smith homers twice as Dodgers complete sweep of Mets with rout
LA Times
‘There’s no better organization.’ Dodgers and Will Smith celebrate contract extension
LA Times
Dodgers reliever Daniel Hudson’s latest knee injury feels like ‘kind of a sick joke’
LA Times
Will Smith provides spark, James Outman caps Dodgers comeback against Blue Jays
LA Times
How the Dodgers’ Will Smith became one of baseball’s best catchers
LA Times
Dodgers’ continuing slump drops them to third place in NL West
LA Times
Dodgers catcher Will Smith about to become MLB's next superstar
LA Times
Dodgers’ Will Smith explains the view through his mask of fateful last play in Game 4
LA Times
Smith off Smith, Seager 2 HRs as Dodgers beat Braves in NLCS
The Independent
Will Smith’s homer helps Dodgers rally past Braves in Game 5 of NLCS, avoid elimination
LA Times
Will Smith returns to Dodgers lineup for series finale against Rockies
LA Times
Smith inches closer to comeback 21 months since breaking leg
Associated Press
Dodgers catcher Will Smith retired by San Francisco Giants pitcher Will Smith
LA Times
Rookie Will Smith homers, drives in six runs in return to Dodgers
LA Times
Dodgers rookie catcher Will Smith’s apprenticeship began in September
LA Times
Will Smith’s first career home run is a walk-off in the Dodgers’ win over the Phillies
LA Times
Angels report: Joe Smith close to minor league rehab stint
LA TimesDiscover Related