The Los Angeles Dodgers just got some genuinely good news on the injury front. Will Smith, who has been on the 10-day IL since June 11 with neck inflammation and a bulging disc, took a real step forward this week.
According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, Smith was in the batting cage on Thursday and has started a throwing program. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the progress. That is a significant development for a guy who has been sidelined for nearly two weeks.
Smith has not played since June 7. The team placed him on the IL retroactive to June 8, so he is eligible to return whenever he is ready. But the Dodgers are being cautious here. Neck issues for a catcher are no joke. The constant squatting, the snap throws to second base, the foul tips off the mask — all of that puts stress on a neck that is already inflamed.
The plan, according to reports, is likely to send Smith on a rehab assignment before activating him. That would give him a few games in the minors to get his timing back and test the neck in game situations without the pressure of a major league game.
While Smith has been out, the Dodgers have leaned on Dalton Rushing as the primary catcher. Chuckie Robinson has been the backup. Rushing has held his own, but he is not Will Smith. Smith is a three-time All-Star for a reason.
What Smith Was Doing Before the Injury
Before the neck issue popped up, Smith had played in 52 games. His batting average was .249, which is below his career mark of .263. But he was still getting on base at a .338 clip and had 43 hits, six home runs, and 23 RBIs in 173 at-bats. Those numbers are not eye-popping, but they are solid for a catcher. And the Dodgers know what they have in him. He is not just a defensive stalwart. He can hit.
When Smith returns, he is expected to step right back into the starting catcher role. But Roberts might also use him as a designated hitter occasionally, especially with Shohei Ohtani still handling DH duties most nights. Having Smith’s bat available even when he is not behind the plate gives the lineup some flexibility.
The Dodgers are currently in the middle of a four-game series against the San Diego Padres. Game two is Friday night in Los Angeles. Smith will not be back for that one. But if the next few days go well, he could be back on the field sometime next week.
For a team with World Series aspirations, getting their starting catcher healthy and back in the lineup is a quiet but critical piece of the puzzle.
Leave a Comment