Dodgers Reveal Will Smith Change After Shohei Ohtani's Removal From Lineup
Los Angeles Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts shared an update to the Dodgers lineup following Wednesday night's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Roberts wanted to give two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani a full rest day following his start, so he will not be in the lineup for Thursday's series finale. Roberts has been working in rest days for Ohtani more often, including early in the season where he did not have Ohtani in the lineup on days he was pitching.
With Ohtani's rest day on Thursday, Dodgers' catcher Will Smith will fill in the designated hitter role, with backup catcher Dalton Rushing likely behind the plate.
#Dodgers Dave Roberts shared that Will Smith will be the DH tomorrow, with Shohei Ohtani having the day off.
— Kirsten Watson (@kirsten_watson) June 4, 2026
Smith has not been his usual self to start his 2026 campaign. The 31-year-old is normally one of the best offensive catchers in the league, but his stats have not shown that yet. In 50 games, Smith is slashing .250/.335/.381 with six home runs and 23 RBI. While he is hitting above the Mendoza Line, it is a far cry from his .901 OPS last season.
The Dodgers hope that Smith will be able to get back to form with him not having to catch. He has also seen more off days than usually with a breakout season from Rushing. In his 32 games, Rushing is batting .264/.343/.527 with seven home runs.
Roberts has had to make some tough decisions this season, as keeping Ohtani out of the lineup comes with a lot of controversy. Off days for Ohtani here and there can also be good for both of the Dodger catchers as they are both able to play with the designated hitter slot open. Both catchers are also not great defensively, so it is a strategic move to have the struggling player at designated hitter.
The reigning back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers are once again having an incredible year. Despite a bump in the road early, they hold a 40-22 record coming into Thursday and sit atop the National League West division, which they will look to take home for the fifth straight year.
The Dodgers own both the best OPS at .790 and ERA at 3.08 in the league, they are a clear threat to win their third straight title and become the first team to do so since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees.
The Dodgers play their series finale against the Diamondbacks Thursday at 9:40 P.M., looking to take the series in Arizona before heading home.
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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 9:56 AM.