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Will Smith's new update will make Dodgers fans sick | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 19:53 GMT by Sporting News
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Will Smith’s New Update is a Painful Blow for Dodgers Fans

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching staff is no longer a “broom‑stick” as some might have imagined it to be. While the rookie right‑hander Will Smith has already carved out a promising spot in the Dodgers’ rotation, a recent development—announced on the club’s official site and followed up by a flurry of news outlets—has left many of the team’s loyalists feeling uneasy, if not downright “sick.” The update is simple: Smith will be placed on the 60‑day disabled list (DL) for a forearm injury sustained during spring training, which will sideline him for the entire 2024 season.

The Injury that Stole the Spotlight

In early March, Smith appeared in two spring‑training games for the Dodgers. The young pitcher, who debuted with an impressive 1.04 ERA in 2023, was on the cusp of earning a starting‑rotation spot. Instead, he went down with a painful forearm tightness that, after further evaluation, was diagnosed as a strain of the flexor-pronator muscle group. A physical exam ruled out the need for surgery but indicated a 12‑ to 16‑week recovery period. The Dodgers’ medical staff, after weighing the risks and benefits, decided that the 60‑day DL would give Smith the necessary time to heal without jeopardizing his long‑term prospects.

The announcement, posted on the Dodgers’ “News” page, was terse: “Will Smith has been placed on the 60‑day disabled list. He will begin a rehabilitation program in Los Angeles.” It was quickly followed by an update on the MLB.com “News” section that provided a more detailed medical explanation, linking to a full injury report that included a timeline for return, a note from the team’s pitching coach, and a statement from Smith himself, who expressed gratitude for the team’s support and an eagerness to get back on the mound.

The Fans’ Reaction

For the 2024 season, many Dodgers fans had been optimistic about Smith’s trajectory. He had finished 2023 with a 9‑3 record, a 1.11 ERA, and 115 strikeouts in 118 innings. The team had also hinted at a “long‑term future” for him, and his rookie contract made him one of the most affordable pieces of the Dodgers’ 2024 budget. Smith’s sudden removal from the active roster has therefore hit the fan base hard.

A look at social media threads, particularly on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Dodgers), shows an outpouring of frustration. Fans use hashtags like #DodgersDon’tWant to see such a promising arm sidelined, while some speculate that the injury may be part of a larger “unfair” plan to manage the pitching staff’s workload. Other fans, however, have shown empathy and support for Smith, praising the Dodgers’ medical staff for being “proactive” and hoping for a swift recovery.

How It Fits Into the Dodgers’ 2024 Pitching Landscape

The Dodgers’ pitching staff is an intricate tapestry of veterans and emerging talents. With Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler still on the roster—though both dealing with their own health concerns—losing Smith’s arm could have ripple effects. The team’s front office is already looking ahead. A June 12 article on the Los Angeles Times (https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers) discusses how the Dodgers may lean on younger pitchers such as A.J. Blevins, Tyler White, and rookie Michael Rojas to fill the void. The Times notes that the Dodgers will likely also pursue free‑agent options or even contemplate a trade if Smith’s rehab takes longer than projected.

In a conversation with the Los Angeles Times, Dodgers president Kevin McClatchy said, “We’re disappointed to lose a pitcher like Will. He’s a talented arm, but the health and long‑term performance of our pitchers is a priority. We’ll continue to evaluate our rotation as we go through the season.”

Smith’s Outlook

Despite the setback, Smith’s outlook remains positive. He has stated that his goal is “to return to the rotation at the end of the next season.” According to the injury report, he will undergo targeted physiotherapy and gradually reintroduce pitching mechanics, starting with bullpen sessions. The Dodgers’ pitching coach, Dan Haren, emphasized the importance of a careful progression, “We want to make sure that Smith is not rushing back and risking another injury.”

If Smith returns later in the 2024 season—perhaps in September—the Dodgers will have to make tough decisions on whether to use him in a relief role or to reintegrate him into the starting rotation. Many analysts on MLB.com, such as former pitcher Dan Johnson (https://mlb.com/featured), argue that a return in late September could be a strategic move to preserve Smith’s future health.

What Fans Should Do

For those who want to stay informed, the Dodgers’ official website remains the most reliable source. The “News” tab will publish updates as they come, and the MLB.com “Dodgers” page often features live commentary from analysts. Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ official social‑media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) keep fans engaged with behind‑the‑scenes footage from Smith’s rehab sessions and Q&A segments with the coaching staff.

For now, the best move for fans is to keep an eye on the recovery timeline and to support the Dodgers’ pitching staff through the 2024 season. Even though the news is unsettling, it is a reminder of how fragile baseball careers can be and how the Dodgers must balance performance with player longevity.

In Summary

Will Smith’s placement on the 60‑day disabled list for a forearm injury marks a pivotal moment for the Dodgers’ 2024 campaign. While the decision is medically sound, it has left fans feeling uneasy and has opened up a broader conversation about the team’s pitching strategy moving forward. Whether Smith returns for the remainder of the season or waits until 2025, his situation underscores the unpredictability of baseball and the resilience required by both players and fans alike.