The Los Angeles Dodgers are preparing for their NLDS opener against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, but All-Star catcher Will Smith ’s availability remains uncertain.

The Dodgers included Smith on the roster for the Wild Card series against the Cincinnati Reds, but he did not make an appearance. He was carried as a potential bat off the bench; however, manager Dave Roberts did admit there was limited confidence in his ability to catch at that stage. Ben Rortvedt and rookie Dalton Rushing rose to the occasion behind the plate as Los Angeles swept the two-game series, advancing without needing Smith.

The 30-year-old catcher has been out of the lineup since Sept. 9 with a hairline fracture in his right hand. He appeared in just one game after Sept. 3 before being placed on the in

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