The Dodgers opened their Rockies series juggling three bits of news: a reported pursuit of a former Houston Astros All-Star, a two-game absence for catcher Will Smith, and a fresh announcement from clubhouse sparkplug Kiké Hernández. Each headline arrives as Los Angeles eyes another deep postseason run.
Dodgers Notes: LA Linked to Ex-Astros Star, Will Smith to Miss 2 Games vs Rockies, Kiké Hernandez Announcement

Key Takeaways:
- Los Angeles has been “linked to” an unnamed former Astros All-Star, according to Sports Illustrated.
- Catcher Will Smith will miss the first two games of the Rockies series.
- Utility player Kiké Hernández issued an announcement, details undisclosed in the initial report.
- All three updates were reported on August 19, 2025.
Update Roundup
The Los Angeles Dodgers rarely lack for headlines, and Tuesday’s batch delivered three at once. In a single report, Sports Illustrated noted that the club is exploring the addition of a former Houston Astros All-Star, will start its series in Denver without starting catcher Will Smith, and heard fresh word from do-everything infielder-outfielder Kiké Hernández.
Rumors Swirl Around Former Astro
The article states simply that Los Angeles “was linked to an All-Star,” specifying only that the player is a former member of the Astros. While the name remains under wraps, any pursuit of a multi-time All-Star hints at the front office’s willingness to bolster an already potent roster.
Two Games Without Will Smith
Sports Illustrated further reports, “catcher Will Smith will miss two games in their series against the Rockies.” Smith’s short hiatus leaves the Dodgers to navigate Coors Field without one of baseball’s most productive backstops.
Hernández Has News of His Own
“Kiké Hernández made an announcement,” the magazine adds, without detailing the subject. Even so, any update from the veteran utility man commands attention; Hernández’s defensive versatility and playoff résumé have made him a fixture in Los Angeles.
What It Means for the Stretch Run
Taken together, the trio of headlines underscores a franchise fine-tuning for October. A possible big-name addition, a temporary lineup hole at catcher, and the ever-vital presence of Hernández all loom large as the season enters its decisive weeks.
(Information in this article is drawn solely from Sports Illustrated’s August 19, 2025 report titled “Dodgers Notes: LA Linked to Ex-Astros Star, Will Smith to Miss 2 Games vs Rockies, Kiké Hernández Announcement.”)