The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to wait for the return of All-Star catcher Will Smith, but what was initially expected to be a brief absence has turned into a much longer recovery than anyone inside the organization anticipated.
Smith has now missed the last 23 games because of an inflamed disc in his neck after being scratched from the lineup against the Los Angeles Angels on June 6.
At first, the expectation was that Smith would miss only one game. Even after the Dodgers placed him on the Injured List, the belief was that he would return after serving the minimum stay. Instead, his recovery has progressed much slower than anticipated, leaving the club without a clear timetable for his return.
Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that the organization has been surprised by how long the injury has lingered.
Roberts explained that the Dodgers are hopeful Smith can return before the All-Star break, but he also noted that the longer the catcher remains sidelined, the more likely he will need a minor league rehabilitation assignment before rejoining the major league roster. Because of that possibility, Roberts declined to place additional expectations on Smith’s return, emphasizing that the priority is making sure he is fully healthy before discussing a timeline.
“I think we’re all surprised how long it’s taken,” Roberts said according to the Los Angeles Times.
“I hope he’s back before the All-Star break. But the more time he’s off, he’s going to have to play some [rehab] games. So that kind of cuts into the time of return to us. So I don’t really know. I don’t want to add any pressure to him. I want him to be healthy and then once he’s healthy we can have that conversation.”
Roberts also addressed the situation during another media session, admitting the extended recovery is concerning because it has lasted much longer than the club originally expected. At the same time, he stressed the Dodgers do not believe the injury represents a long-term issue.
“I think it’s concerning in the sense that it’s a lot longer than we’d expected,” Roberts said. “It’s not concerning because we don’t think it’s a long-term situation.”
Before landing on the IL, Smith had appeared in 52 games this season while hitting six home runs with 23 RBIs, a .249 batting average, and a .720 OPS. He was also attempting to work through one of the more inconsistent stretches of his season before the neck injury interrupted his campaign.
Smith did not accompany the team on its current road trip, making a return before next week appear increasingly unlikely.
Given the amount of time he has missed, a rehabilitation assignment in the minor leagues now appears to be a realistic possibility before he is activated.
Although Roberts has not ruled out a return before the All-Star break, the current circumstances suggest Smith may not be back until after the July 13-16 break, which would leave him sidelined for at least six weeks.
The three-time All-Star is now in his eighth major league season, all with the Dodgers, after establishing himself as one of baseball’s top catchers since making his debut in 2019.
Until he returns, Los Angeles will continue relying on Dalton Rushing and Chuckie Robinson behind the plate, making Smith’s recovery one of the organization’s most closely monitored situations.
Beyond his offensive production, Smith has become one of the Dodgers’ most dependable leaders. He is respected throughout the organization for his preparation, steady approach, and ability to manage a pitching staff at a high level.
Catchers are responsible for far more than their work at the plate, and Smith has consistently demonstrated the communication, leadership, and baseball intelligence necessary to guide an experienced rotation through difficult situations. His calm demeanor allows him to remain composed during pressure-filled moments, while his professionalism has earned the trust of teammates and coaches alike.
Smith also has a reputation for being extremely diligent in his preparation, spending significant time studying hitters and developing game plans before every series. Those qualities have helped establish him as one of the most complete catchers in the game. As the Dodgers continue navigating his absence, they are missing not only his bat but also the stability, experience, and leadership he brings to every aspect of the game.
