By signing J.D. Martinez as a free agent, the Dodgers opted for one player in the DH role daily, taking away an option to keep Smith’s bat in the lineup.
PHOENIX — When the Dodgers signed J.D. Martinez as a free agent this winter, they made a decision that requires a philosophical shift. Their resolve is being tested.
“He signed on to be our designated hitter, verse right verse left,” Roberts said of Martinez, who started the season 9 for his first 34 . “But we’ll see. As we get down the road, to get Will in there certainly makes a lot of sense. Will’s swinging the bat well. I absolutely understand that.” Roberts explained the down time for Smith in the first week of the season as partly a response to the young catcher’s workload while with Team USA at the World Baseball Classic. Smith backed up J.T. Realmuto and did not play as much as he would have in camp with the Dodgers. Roberts said Smith’s workload will start to increase now. He is expected to start all three games in San Francisco this week.Even with the DH days last year, Smith’s offense dipped in the second half — from a .
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