Will Smith set to return to Los Angeles Dodgers after rehab

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith has completed a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City and is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list on Tuesday. Smith, a three-time All-Star, has been sidelined since June 5 due to neck inflammation. During his rehab stint, he recorded four hits in 16 at-bats, including a home run and two doubles.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized Smith’s importance to the team’s postseason prospects, noting his ability to provide stability for both the lineup and the pitching staff. Since Smith’s injury, the Dodgers' collective pitching ERA has risen from 3.03 to 4.09. The team has struggled with catcher consistency in his absence, utilizing multiple players including Dalton Rushing, Eliezer Alfonzo, Hunter Feduccia, Chuckie Robinson, and Ben Rortvedt.

Reliever Blake Treinen also completed his rehab assignment with Oklahoma City. Treinen, who has been out since June 19 with elbow inflammation, pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings across seven rehab games. Both Smith and Treinen will require roster moves to be added back to the active 40-man roster.