LOS ANGELES -- After the Dodgers had initially been hopeful that Will Smith would miss minimal time with a bone bruise in his right hand, they are now facing the reality of being without their All-Star catcher for the remainder of the regular season -- and possibly beyond.

Additional imaging on Smith's hand revealed a hairline fracture, manager Dave Roberts said before Saturday night's game against the Giants at Dodger Stadium. It is unlikely that Smith returns in the final week of the regular season, and his status for the beginning of the postseason is "up in the air."

"Optimistic that he’s going to come back at some point," Roberts said. "Doubtful it’s the regular season. But having him available for the postseason, we’re still hopeful."

Ben Rortvedt , who has taken over behind th

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