The Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday officially placed catcher Will Smith on the injured list and called up a replacement catcher.
Smith, who’s suffering from “stiffness” in his neck, has missed the last four games, and his time on the IL will be retroactive to June 8, reports Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times.
He’ll be eligible to return to action on June 19, manager Dave Roberts said.
In a corresponding move, the Dodgers selected the contract of catcher Chuckie Robinson of the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets.
In Smith’s absence, Dalton Rushing has been playing catcher, but Roberts said Smith’s replacement is expected to start on Friday against the Chicago White Sox, reports Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.
Rushing will start the series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday.
What does Chuckie Robinson bring to the Dodgers?
Dodgers Nation’s Aaron Coloma explained that Robinson brings big-league experience that his likely competition for the spot, fellow Comets catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, lacked.
“Robinson has played 52 games in MLB over the course of his career, which gives him an edge in experience over his counterpart, who is yet to make his debut,” Coloma said. “The Dodgers value getting younger players consistent reps as well, so they may look towards Robinson for that reason.”
Robinson is likely being brought up to the big leagues for his defense more than his hitting, according to Dodgers Nation’s Nelson Espinal.
“Robinson is someone that the Dodgers trust to do a serviceable job behind the plate and carries a degree of reliability,” he wrote. “His bat has not been great in the majors, hitting just .131 in 130 at-bats, but the defensive work should hold down the fort.”
When will Will Smith be back for the Dodgers?
Smith is eligible to return to MLB action on June 19, but it’s unclear if he’ll be ready by then.
The cause of his neck stiffness hasn’t been publicly revealed, so it’s hard to say for sure when it will be resolved.
But as is so often the case, an injured star has created an opportunity for a young player to show off his skills.
Do you think Chuckie Robinson will play well for the Dodgers?
One Response
Dont know anything about him, but that he can defend. Well I have a feeling that he will do well, and hope he can get that bat of his working. Havent seen a black cather for the boys in blue for what seems forever, I certainly hope he does great and have a feeling he will be a good guy for the job in will smith recover staint. He should show off his talents and mske a.push to.stay.I HOPE JE IS READY TO.DO THE JOB AND SHOWCASE HIS TALENTS AND SKILLS BEHIND THE PLATE!!¡!!!!