Dodgers Facing Decision After Will Smith News
The Los Angeles Dodgers have one of the best catching tandems in MLB with both Will Smith and Dalton Rushing operating behind the plate. Unfortunately, the duo is not at full strength.
Smith, the primary starter, has not been available since Friday's series opener against the Los Angeles Angels. He was originally included in the lineup for that game but was scratched hours before first pitch with a stiff neck, giving Rushing the start. Smith woke up with the injury.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated he did not believe it was anything serious and expected Smith to return shortly. That plan has not come into fruition.
Ahead of Tuesday's series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Smith was again held out of the lineup. Roberts admitted during the pregame show that the neck injury is worse than initially feared.
It may get even worse from there. Roberts revealed that while Smith was able to play catch and it went okay, he is still bothered when hitting.
He will not only likely be unavailable for Wednesday's game against Pittsburgh, but Roberts also admitted an injured list stint is becoming "more of a possibility," according to Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times. The Dodgers will have to decide in the coming days whether or not to place Smith on the IL.
Because Will Smith's neck issue has lingered, Dave Roberts said an IL stint is "more of a possibility." Catch today "went OK," hitting bothers him the most. Likely will be out of the lineup tomorrow too.
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) June 9, 2026
It is still early June, and for the Dodgers, whose ultimate goal is capturing a third consecutive World Series title, there is no reason to rush Smith back. He himself could likely use a reset.
Even when on the field, his production has not been up to his standards this year. The three-time All-Star has posted a .249 batting average, .338 on-base percentage, .720 OPS, six home runs and 23 RBIs across 52 games.
Still, a potential injured list stint is a disappointing development given how optimistic Roberts was when the setback first emerged.
Related: Dodgers' Blake Snell Takes Next Step After Surgery
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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 5:50 PM.