The Los Angeles Dodgers had both of their main catcher options, Dalton Rushing and Will Smith, hit the field and appear to be progressing toward a return, each in their own way.
Smith has been out for months with an inflamed disc in his neck, leading to him missing a lot more time than initially expected.
The Dodgers thought it would be only a few days, if that, before Smith was back in the lineup, but things didn’t improve, and he’s been out much longer than expected.
Smith even got an injection in his neck to relieve the pain, but things did not get better. It took a full break before Smith could fully resume baseball activities.
Smith ended up hitting in the batting cages, the biggest step in his progression so far. Smith hit on the field ahead of the Dodgers’ game against the Brewers on Friday.
If his neck holds up, Smith could go on a rehab assignment soon, which he will need given how long he has been out.
Also on the field, Dalton Rushing took batting practice for the first time since going down with a slight tear in his UCL.
Rushing is aiming to come back this season as a pinch hitter and possibly a catcher as well, though Dave Roberts has been low on the chances of that materializing.
Seemingly, Rushing can hit without needing surgery, though it is throwing, which is quite important as a catcher, that is the bigger question mark.
In another positive sign, Rushing was catching in the bullpen, though he was not throwing.
When can Rushing and Smith return?
Rushing’s status is still unknown, especially since surgery is a possibility. It is good that he was out on the field, but to return, he will need to hit more often.
His catching progress cannot resume until he starts throwing again, which he is reportedly weeks away from doing.
Smith, though, looks on track to return this season, likely going out on a rehab assignment relatively soon.
He has been out long enough that it may be the maximum, which would be a full month, but the Dodgers may cut it a week or two short to get him in front of MLB pitching before the postseason.
