Dodgers' Ace Shohei Ohtani Faces Catching Conundrum Amid Injury Crisis Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is facing a significant challenge as his regular catcher, All-Star Will Smith, has been sidelined with lingering neck pain. Smith's absence has forced Ohtani to rely on backup catcher Dalton Shupe, who has struggled to provide a stable target behind the plate. As a result, Ohtani's performance has taken a hit, raising concerns about the impact on the team's playoff hopes. With Smith expected to miss at least a few more games, the Dodgers will need to find a solution to their catching crisis or risk jeopardizing their chances in the competitive National League.
MINNEAPOLIS – Shohei Ohtani has a problem. His regular catcher is injured. Lingering neck pain kept All-Star Will Smith from catching any of Ohtani’s last three starts, and he figures to miss at least a few more. With catcher Will Smith out, Dodgers ace Shohei Ohtani has struggled throwing to the young and volatile Dalton...
