The Dodgers have the best record in baseball, but there’s a quiet problem behind the plate. Catcher Will Smith is still on the injured list with neck inflammation, and the latest update is not exactly reassuring.
According to David Vassegh of Dodger Talk, Smith has not resumed baseball activities yet. That means no swinging a bat, no catching bullpens, nothing. And he’s not expected to be activated during the team’s current road trip, which wraps up in San Diego this weekend.
If Smith were at least taking batting practice or doing some light throwing, that would be one thing. But the fact that he hasn’t even started suggests he’s not particularly close to coming back. The team hasn’t offered a timeline, so it’s all guesswork right now.
Smith, 31, is a three-time All-Star and one of the better catchers in the game. He’s hitting .249/.338/.382 this season with six homers and five doubles. Not his best year at the plate, but his value behind it is huge — calling games, controlling the run game, handling a pitching staff that’s been stellar.
The Dodgers are 51-29, nine games up on the Padres in the NL West. That cushion gives them some breathing room. But you don’t want a key guy like Smith languishing on the IL for long, especially with a division series road trip to San Diego coming next.
Wednesday night, the Dodgers finish a three-game set in Minnesota against the Twins. Then it’s off to Petco Park for a big series with the Padres. If Smith isn’t close to returning by then, the front office might start thinking about contingency plans.
For now, it’s a waiting game. Smith’s neck issue is day to day, but the days are ticking by without any real movement. We’ll keep an eye on it and update when there’s something concrete.
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