The catching position was in flux for the Los Angeles Dodgers most of this season, with Austin Barnes beginning the year as the starter but rookie Will Smith eventually taking over after bursting onto the scene.
Smith has cooled off at the plate a bit in recent weeks though, batting just .145/.221/.232 with two home runs, six RBI and 24 strikeouts in his past 24 games (18 starts) after having a career-best nine-game hitting streak snapped.
Additionally, his ability to handle the Dodgers’ pitching staff has been called into question a bit as the team’s recent starting pitching struggles have coincided with Smith taking over behind the plate.