Sat Sep 27 04:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the text provided:

**Summary:**

The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading to the Wild Card round of the 2025 MLB playoffs, their first appearance there since 2021. Their pitching rotation is being set up with Ohtani, Snell, and Yamamoto slated to start. However, catcher Will Smith’s hand injury casts doubt on his availability, potentially leading to increased roles for Ben Rortvedt and Dalton Rushing behind the plate. While the starting pitching looks strong, the bullpen has struggled recently, and the team needs to find reliable right-handed relievers. Clayton Kershaw will likely be used in a relief role. Hyeseong Kim’s role is limited, but he might make the roster as a pinch-runner or defensive replacement.

**News Article:**

**Dodgers Set for Wild Card Showdown as Injury Clouds Catcher’s Status**

**PHOENIX, AZ –** For the first time since 2021, the Los Angeles Dodgers are headed to the Wild Card round of the MLB playoffs. Their NL West division title wasn’t enough to secure them a top seed. The boys in blue are preparing for a best-of-three series that begins in one week.

Manager Dave Roberts is lining up his pitching rotation, with Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto scheduled to start this week against the Diamondbacks to tuneup.

However, a cloud hangs over the Dodgers’ roster, specifically concerning All-Star catcher Will Smith. Smith, who suffered a hand injury earlier this month, is now diagnosed with a hairline fracture. The injury jeopardizes his availability for the playoffs. If Smith is sidelined, Ben Rortvedt is expected to take the lion’s share of the backstopping duties, potentially in a timeshare with Dalton Rushing.

“We’re assessing Will daily,” Roberts said. “His presence is missed. But we have confidence in our other catchers.”

While the starting pitching seems set, the bullpen has been a point of concern. The unit has struggled in September, with a high ERA and walk rate. Finding dependable right-handed relievers is a priority. Rooki Sasaki and Brock Stewart could get the nod to improve the bullpen. “We’re exploring all options to shore up the bullpen before October,” said Roberts. Emmet Sheehan, who has pitched well as a starter, will be in relief to help the bullpen.

Meanwhile, veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw is expected to take on a relief role.

Outfielder Hyeseong Kim’s playing time has decreased. While Roberts praised Kim’s potential, he emphasized the need for players experienced in postseason pitching. However, Kim could still be included on the Wild Card roster as a pinch-runner or defensive replacement.

The Dodgers face the Arizona Diamondbacks to close out their regular season. They hope to resolve some of their roster issues and build momentum heading into the playoffs. The Dodgers will look to build on last season’s World Series win.

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