Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith’s own assessment of a hand injury has proven more accurate than the initial medical diagnosis he received. What was first identified as bone bruising is actually a hairline fracture at the base of the third metacarpal on his right hand.
The All-Star catcher sustained the injury on a foul tip three weeks ago. Although doctors initially assured him it was only a bone bruise, Smith sensed the problem was more severe.
“I could tell it was a little more than bruising,” Smith told reporters. “Then it turns out I wasn’t going crazy and it was more. I can trust my body a little bit, which I guess is good. But it is a fracture and that takes time.”
Smith’s return for the upcoming postseason now appears unlikely. He has not yet begun swinging a bat or throwing. According to the Cleveland Clinic, metacarpal fractures typically require three to six weeks of immobilization, with a full recovery often taking one to two months.
Despite the timeline, Smith remains hopeful. “I’m hoping for it,” he said. “I’m doing everything I can to be ready.”
His current rehabilitation includes running, rotational exercises to simulate swings, and catching bullpens without throwing back to the pitcher. Smith anticipates that his eventual return to baseball activities will be a matter of pain tolerance.
The Dodgers are eager for the return of their star backstop, who was batting .296 with 17 home runs and a .901 OPS before the injury. His veteran presence would also be a significant boost for a struggling bullpen, which is currently handled by rookie catcher Dalton Rushing and trade deadline acquisition Ben Rortvedt.
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