4 years agoLos Angeles Dodgers catcher William Smith has been held out of Friday’s lineup against the Angels and left-handed pitcher Patrick Sandoval due to neck stiffness. With Austin Barnes getting the start behind the dish, manager Dave Roberts noted that a stint on the 10-day injured list is becoming increasingly likely for Smith. He has reeled off a .341 on-base percentage through his first 14 contests this season, in addition to compiling elite Statcast metrics that ranks him among the top nine percent of all batters in the Majors: 92.8 MPH exit velocity, .309 xBA, .597 xSLG, and .443 xwOBA. In season-long formats where catchers are required, Smith is a must-own option once he returns from his neck ailment.--Jesse Borek
Source: Ken Gurnick