Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith’s injury was downplayed when it originally happened, with manager Dave Roberts believing Smith would only miss a game or two.
However, those comments came back around June 8, and Smith was placed on the 10-day IL on June 11.
Then, manager Dave Roberts expected just the minimum from Smith on the injured, though as his activation date approached, there was less and less optimism.
Now, as Smith has not healed well, he had another scan, which revealed some issues, leading to the catcher getting a cortisol shot to manage the pain.
According to Roberts, Smith may not travel to Minneapolis for the road trip, though it all depends on how the shot helps him.
“It’s going to take more time,” Roberts said. “Had a scan recently and, you know, the results were sort of fine. Nothing really bad, but I think he’s going to give some type of shot to kind of minimize the sensation or whatever.
“But he feels OK, not great. And I think for us, we’re just trying to make sure that we don’t have a setback when he comes back. So I think that’s kind of the pause. So he won’t be active this weekend.”
What will a longer absence mean for the Dodgers?
Smith staying out longer will cost the team their outstanding catcher depth. Dalton Rushing gets elevated to a more regular role, but the Dodgers now have Chuckie Robinson, who really struggles with his bat, getting meaningful repetitions.
Smith and Rushing was one of the best catching duos in baseball, and without the veteran, the Dodgers’ start studded depth chart is knocked down a peg.
Hitting-wise, Smith has not been at his usual best. He only has a 102 OPS+ while hitting .249.
He likely will not be an All-Star, ruining his consecutive appearance streak. For the Dodgers, his absence will not mean much if he is healthy for October.
In pressure moments, there are few better hitters than Smith and the Dodgers will need his experience.
