The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off of a tough series loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates and return home on Friday night to start a three-game set with the slumping St. Louis Cardinals.
Dustin May will be on the mound against Jack Flaherty.
However, there are a few things to note about the Dodgers as they kick off their weekend series with the Cardinals.
Will Smith and J.D. Martinez have both been on the shelf recently.
Fortunately for the Dodgers, Smith is likely to return on Friday as the team’s designated hitter.
Martinez is still dealing with a back issue.
Dodgers insider David Vassegh provided the update on Twitter.
Will Smith likely returns tonight as #Dodgers DH with J.D. Martinez still dealing with lower back issue.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) April 28, 2023
Smith’s return should be a boost for the Dodgers.
Normally the team’s starting catcher, Smith has been on the injured list after suffering a concussion during their game on April 16.
However, it appears that Smith will make his return on Friday as the designated hitter.
That spot is usually filled by Martinez, who is dealing with an issue in his lower back.
Martinez is not on the injured list as of now, but it appears that he will not be back for the series opener against the Cardinals.
The Dodgers find themselves in unfamiliar territory at the moment.
The team sits at .500 with a 13-13 record.
They’re in second place in the NL West, just a game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks, but barely ahead of the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants.
Smith’s return should be a boon for the Dodgers as they look to get back on track.
NEXT:
Chris Taylor Spoke Out After Shocking Dodgers Comeback
