Will Smith's Hand Injury Lingers, Dodgers Monitor Catcher's Return Amid IL Talk

Kansas City Royals catcher Will Smith continues to manage a bone bruise in his right hand, sustained from a foul tip on September 3. He remained out of the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Giants, though manager Dave Roberts indicated he was available in an emergency capacity. Smith had returned to play Tuesday after missing five games but was scratched Wednesday due to renewed swelling during warm-ups. Despite X-rays, CT scans, and an MRI all coming back clean, the team is monitoring his condition closely. Roberts acknowledged Smith will likely manage the injury through the season, with an IL stint not ruled out if his condition doesn't improve. Smith, batting .296 with a .901 OPS in 110 games, is a key offensive contributor.