Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith faces indefinite absence with neck injury

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith was placed on the injured list after a neck injury that first sidelined him on June 5. Manager Dave Roberts said the injury has proved more persistent than expected, describing the situation as “concerning in the sense that it’s a lot longer than we’d expected,” but not a long‑term problem. Smith has not resumed baseball activities despite an injection meant to relieve pain, and there is currently no clear timeline for his return; he could miss the remainder of the season, possibly extending beyond the All‑Star break.

In Smith’s absence, backup catcher Dalton Rushing has taken over as the starting catcher, posting a .239 average with eight home runs and a .783 OPS. Veteran Chuckie Robinson serves as the secondary option, though his limited offensive production has kept his playing time low. The Dodgers will need Smith healthy for the playoff stretch, but Rushing’s performance provides a stop‑gap solution for the team.

The injury and roster adjustments keep the Dodgers watching closely as the season progresses, with the uncertain status of their primary catcher remaining a key storyline for the club.