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**Dodgers’ Will Smith Out for Regular Season with Fractured Hand, Playoff Return Uncertain**

**Los Angeles, CA** – The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without All-Star catcher Will Smith for the remainder of the regular season after a recent scan revealed a hairline fracture in his right hand. Smith, who sustained the injury in early September after taking a foul tip, will now face an uphill battle to be ready for the start of the playoffs.

“Optimistic he’s going to come back at some point but doubtful it will be the regular season,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters before Saturday’s game against the San Francisco Giants. “Having him available for the postseason, we’re still hopeful.”

Smith, 30, was enjoying another stellar season, batting .296 with 17 home runs and an impressive .404 on-base percentage. His absence leaves a significant hole in the Dodgers’ lineup and behind the plate.

In Smith’s absence, the Dodgers are expected to lean on Ben Rortvedt, acquired at the trade deadline, along with recent starts to Dalton Rushing and Chuckie Robinson. Rortvedt has shown promise since joining the team, hitting .294 in his limited appearances.

The Dodgers, currently leading the National League West by four games with an 87-67 record, will need these replacements to step up as they prepare for a playoff run without their star catcher. The team remains hopeful that Smith will be able to return at some point during the postseason.

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