Dodgers include Smith on wild-card roster vs. Reds

The Los Angeles Dodgers included catcher Will Smith on the roster for their wild-card series against the Cincinnati Reds although he's been sidelined with a hand injury since mid-September.

Smith is one of three catchers on the roster and is expected to be available off the bench as a pinch hitter, a source told The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya. However, manager Dave Roberts didn't rule out the three-time All-Star being able to start behind the plate in Game 2, according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.

The 30-year-old backstop resumed swinging over the weekend but hasn't faced live pitching since sustaining a hairline fracture in his right hand.

Smith slashed .296/.404/.497 with 17 home runs and 61 RBIs in 110 games this season.

The Dodgers notably also included 28-year-old defensive specialist Justin Dean on the roster while omitting veteran outfielder Michael Conforto.