Dodgers Reveal Reason for Will Smith Benching

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It’s not often a World Series hero is benched for the opening game of the championship rematch, but that’s the position Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is in.

Dalton Rushing is starting in Smith’s place in the Monday afternoon game at the Toronto Blue Jays, but the decision to bench him wasn’t one made for any sort of performance or disciplinary reason.

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It’s actually being done just to save Smith for later, manager Dave Roberts said.

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Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) scores a run against the Cleveland Guardians during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

“Dave Roberts said that he wants Smith to catch Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani later in the series, which is why he’s out of the lineup tonight,” MLB.com’s Sonja Chen reports.

This marks the second straight game Rushing will start over Smith, Chen added.

It’s likely that Rushing’s strong performance thus far this season also is playing a role.

He hit a two-run home run Sunday against the Washington Nationals to kick off a comeback rally.

Why is Dalton Rushing Performing Better This Season?​

Roberts credits Rushing’s improvements to mental, not physical, adjustments.

“Dalton’s in a good spot right now,” Roberts said. “I want him to understand his role as a backup catcher, what that entails. Really learn the pitchers, learn a swing that works for playing a couple times a week. He’s used to playing a lot more.

“Just still maturing. It’s not easy to not play every day when you’re used to that. I think that he grew last year and I like where he’s at right now. …Ideally you’re looking for him to get 500 at-bats this year to continue to evolve and catch innings, but looking at the depth chart, I think you’d still choose to be a major league player.”

Aside From Dalton Rushing, Who Else is Getting a Chance Monday Night?​

While Rushing starting over Smith is notable, it’s likely that Hyeseong Kim being in the lineup is making the biggest headlines.

Hyeseong Kim, who the Dodgers called up to replace the injured Mookie Betts, gets his first start of the season against the right-handed Max Scherzer and will fill in at shortstop.

Do you think Hyeseong Kim or Dalton Rushing will better take advantage of their opportunity on Monday?

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