Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is currently day-to-day, but manager Dave Roberts said a move to the injured list is becoming “more a possibility,” per The California Post’s Jack Harris.
Harris reports Smith partook in baseball activities ahead of the Dodgers’ series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but likely needs another day of work before a potential return.
Smith has missed the Dodgers’ last two games after LA took him out of the lineup ahead of Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, citing neck stiffness as the reason for his absence.
“It came out of nowhere,” Roberts said after the Dodgers scratched Smith on Saturday. “I had him in there today and then talked to [trainer] Thomas Albert and he said that Will’s kind of grinding through a neck situation. … I think a bad night’s sleep or a bad pillow. Not sure.”
The three-time All-Star has played in 52 games this season, but hasn’t posted the exceptional numbers fans saw out of him last season. He has a .249/.338/.382 slash line for a .720 OPS to go with six homers and 23 RBIs.
Who Has Filled in for Will Smith?
The Dodgers can be patient with Smith’s return whether he goes on the injured list or not, as they have Dalton Rushing available to fill in for him.
Rushing has turned into one of the best—if not the best—backup catchers in MLB, and got off to a red-hot start to the season before finally cooling off a little in May.
The former No. 1 prospect had seven homers and 17 RBIs through the end of April, posting an OPS well north of 1.000. While he isn’t hitting a homer per game anymore, Rushing still has eight bombs on the year, as well as 21 RBIs. He has a .927 OPS, and has reached base in each go his last five games.
Rushing went 4-for-4 in Sunday’s loss to the Angels, hitting a homer, a double and two singles while driving in three runs.
Do you think Will Smith needs to take a trip to the injured list for his long-term availability?
4 Responses
We need will back. Rushing may be a decent offensive player, but he doesn’t call good a good game and has an attitude problem.
I don’t believe anything Dave Roberts says when it comes to injuries, He is wrong so often and then has to go and walk back what he says that it would probably be better if the GM Gomes or someone else is responsible to report actual injury status so fans actually know what is going on and not someone’s best guess. Just my feelings…
Will Smith does not need a trip to the IL. Dave Roberts lives to take players out of the game for any reason. I just wish Dave would like to win more games.
“wish Dave would like to win more games”???????????
No one in MLB has won more since he’s been in LA. And it’s not even close.
But hey, just for context…
– won 106 in 2019 and lost in NLDS to Washington.
– won 106 in 2021 and lost in NLCS to ATL
– won 111 in 2022 and lost in NLDS the flipping Padres
– won 100 in 2023 and were swept in the NLDS by the D’backs
– won 98 in 2024 (#1 seed) and won the Series over NYY
– won 93 in 2025 (#3 seed) and won the Series over Toronto
Me? I’d rather get wins in October when it matters most.