Los Angeles Dodgers face catcher shortage as Will Smith sidelined before trade deadline

Catcher Will Smith has been placed on the injured list with an inflamed disc in his neck and will miss at least a month, with the team expecting his return no earlier than mid‑August. Manager Dave Roberts said the Dodgers "don't know" if Smith will be back for the postseason but are "counting on it".

With the August 3 trade deadline approaching, the Dodgers must address the catching void. They have relied on backup Dalton Rushing, who has mixed offensive and defensive performance, and are evaluating trade options such as former Dodger Ben Rortvedt, who is currently in the New York Mets’ Triple‑A system, or a potential acquisition of a player like Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman. The franchise is weighing the need for a defensive specialist versus waiting for Smith’s recovery, while also considering the impact on the roster for the remainder of the season.