The Dodgers’ star catcher, Will Smith, officially wrapped up his minor league rehab assignment this past Sunday night, and this is huge for the club! After nearly four full months battling neck inflammation, the big man is expected to be activated off the 60-day injured list on Tuesday. His bat is coming back to the lineup, and a crucial piece of the Dodgers’ puzzle snaps right into place.
Smith’s Rehab Numbers Look Absolutely Legit
Smith didn’t just go through the motions down in Triple-A Oklahoma City. He played five games for the Comets last week, including four starts and 25 innings behind the plate, plus one turn as designated hitter. He racked up four hits in 16 at-bats, with a home run and two doubles. That’s a .250/.250/.563 slash line, folks, screaming “ready for prime time!”
Treinen’s Elbow Is Good To Go Too, What A One-Two Punch!
And it’s not just Smith! Right-hander Blake Treinen also checked off the final box for rehabbing relievers, pitching in parts of multiple innings. He’s been out since June 19 with elbow inflammation, also on the 60-day IL. Treinen looked sharp, retiring all four batters he faced with a popout and three groundouts. He even pitched on back-to-back days, Wednesday and Thursday. Across seven rehab games, he threw 6 1/3 scoreless frames, punching out eight batters, two walks, and two hit batters. Talk about a lockdown arm coming back!
Minor League Buzzers Are Making Moves
The affiliates were making moves too! In Ontario, Joendry Vargas, playing second base, ripped three hits, stole a base, and drove in three runs, including an epic 16-pitch walk in the ninth to clinch a postseason berth for the Tower Buzzers! For Triple-A Oklahoma City, Matt Gorski was clutch, driving in all the runs to beat the El Paso Chihuahuas. He singled home the tying run in the seventh, then delivered the walk-off game-winner in the ninth, making it two walk-off wins in three days! Bobby Miller pitched a perfect top of the ninth for that win. Double-A Tulsa fell 13-10 despite Jake Gelof’s third homer in five games (his 29th of the season) and Josue De Paula’s two hits. Luke Fox had a disaster outing after coming off the IL, walking four and allowing three singles and three runs while recording only two outs.
Look, getting both Will Smith and Blake Treinen back from the injured list? That’s not just good news; it’s a game-changer as the season barrels towards its end. Smith’s power and Treinen’s nasty stuff add serious depth and energy. The Dodgers just got a whole lot tougher, and the rest of the league needs to take notice. Get ready!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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