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Will Smith's Neck Injury Could Linger into August
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told AM 570 this week that catcher Will Smith's (neck) injury could linger into August, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Fortunately for the Dodgers, they are 14.5 games up on both the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres in the National League West division, so they can afford to take their time and make sure Smith is good to go for the stretch run. Per Ardaya, the Blue are treating Smith's injury as "an extended development period" for catcher Dalton Rushing. The 31-year-old Smith has been out since June 11. He has resumed swinging a bat, but the Dodgers are in no rush to bring the starting catcher back right after next week's All-Star break. It's unfortunate news for Smith's fantasy managers, as it's now sounding like he might not come off the 10-day injured list until sometime in August. Before his injury, the former first-rounder was disappointing with the bat, too, slashing .249/.338/.382 with a .720 OPS, six homers, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored in his 173 at-bats.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Will Smith Resumes Hitting, Throwing
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that catcher Will Smith (neck) hit in the batting cage on Thursday and has also resumed throwing, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Smith, who was placed on the 10-day injured list on June 11 with inflammation in his neck, is making progress, but he's not expected to return before the All-Star break from July 13-16. It's been a frustrating situation for fantasy managers, as the Dodgers initially believed in early June that Smith wasn't going to even land on the IL at all. The 31-year-old veteran three-time All-Star required a cortisone injection as well, but it didn't really seem to do the trick. Before tweaking his neck, Smith had delivered a disappointing .249/.338/.382 slash line with a .720 OPS, six homers, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored in 52 games across 201 plate appearances. He still deserves to be rostered in most fantasy baseball leagues while he heals as L.A.'s starting catcher when he's healthy. Dalton Rushing remains a short-term option in two-catcher leagues with Smith out of commission.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Will Smith Not Expected to Return Before All-Star Break
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that he expects catcher Will Smith (neck) to be out until after the All-Star break in mid-July, according to Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times. Smith has been on the 10-day injured list since June 11 with inflammation in his neck, and a cortisone injection didn't really help matters. It's been frustrating for the Dodgers and for Smith's fantasy managers, as the Dodgers initially were saying that they didn't even think Smith would land on the IL when his neck injury first popped up. L.A. has the luxury of having a huge lead in the National League West division, so they won't rush any of their injured regulars back before they are ready. Hopefully, the 31-year-old veteran backstop will be ready shortly after the All-Star break. In the meantime, Dalton Rushing will continue to serve as the Dodgers' primary catcher. Smith has been a disappointment in the first half of 2026, slashing .249/.338/.382 with a .720 OPS, six homers, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored in his 173 at-bats, but he should still be stashed in all fantasy formats as the starting catcher for the best team in baseball when he's healthy.
Source: The Los Angeles Times - Bill Shaikin
Source: The Los Angeles Times - Bill Shaikin
Will Smith Not Expected to Return for Start of Next Homestand
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (neck) isn't doing any baseball activities at this time and is unlikely to be activated from the 10-day injured list when the Dodgers' next homestand starts on Thursday, July 2, against the division-rival San Diego Padres, according to MLB.com. Initially, the Dodgers thought that Smith would be able to avoid a trip to the IL, but instead he's been on the shelf since June 11 with inflammation in his neck. The 31-year-old veteran backstop even received a cortisone injection in his neck, which doesn't appear to have helped much. At this point, it's unlikely that we'll see the three-time All-Star back in L.A.'s starting lineup before the mid-July All-Star break. Before getting hurt, the former 32nd overall pick in 2016 out of the University of Louisville was slashing .249/.338/.382 with a .720 OPS, six homers, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored, numbers that aren't up to Smith's high standards. Rushing has been a short-term fill-in for fantasy managers in two-catcher leagues, but he's hit .220 (13-for-59) with two homers, five doubles, six RBI, eight runs, seven walks, and 19 strikeouts in 18 games played in June.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Dalton Rushing Returns on Wednesday, Worth a Waiver-Wire Pickup?
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (head) is back behind the plate to catch right-hander Shohei Ohtani and will bat eighth on Wednesday on the road against the hosting Minnesota Twins and right-hander Joe Ryan, per MLB.com. The Dodgers pulled Rushing from Monday's game early in Minnesota after he was hit in the catcher's mask by a foul tip, and he was held out of Tuesday's contest against the Twins as a precaution. Rushing cleared the league's protocol, though, and is now back in action with Will Smith (neck) still on the 10-day injured list. The 25-year-old former second-round pick in the 2022 MLB draft out of the University of Louisville has generated some short-term waiver-wire appeal in fantasy leagues with Smith's injury taking longer than expected to heal. Rushing is hitting .252/.340/.481 with an .821 OPS, eight homers, 22 RBI, and 21 runs scored in 135 at-bats in his first full season in the big leagues, although he's gone 4-for-30 (.133) with three doubles, one RBI, two runs, four walks, and 10 K's in his last 10 games played.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Dalton Rushing Exits Early on Monday with Possible Concussion
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (head) exited early from his team's game against the Minnesota Twins on Monday to "rule out a concussion," per an announcement from the team. The 25-year-old took a foul tip off his face mask in the first inning of the game. Entering play on Monday, Rushing was hitting .254/.342/.485 with eight home runs, 22 RBI, and 21 runs scored. With star Dodgers catcher Will Smith (neck) on the injured list with neck inflammation, Rushing has gotten his first chance to earn everyday playing time at the big-league level in June. If Rushing is now forced to miss time, Dodgers catcher Chuckie Robinson would likely see the majority of the playing time behind the plate for Los Angeles.
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers
Will Smith Won't Return on Current Road Trip
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Sunday that catcher Will Smith (neck) will not travel on the team's current road trip, which starts on Monday, June 22, in Minnesota and ends on Wednesday, July 1, in Sacramento against the A's, per MLB.com's Sonja Chen. Smith could return early next homestand, though, which starts on Thursday, July 2, against the division-rival San Diego Padres, and he might need a short minor-league rehab assignment. The 31-year-old veteran recently received a cortisone injection in his neck to help him deal with inflammation that has kept him sidelined for the last two weeks. The three-time All-Star should be stashed in most fantasy baseball formats despite his injury and the fact that he has disappointed with a .249 average (43-for-173), six home runs, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored in 2026 before landing on the 10-day injured list. His replacement, Dalton Rushing, has hit .254 (34-for-134) with eight long balls, 22 RBI, and 21 runs scored in 45 games in his first full year in the majors.
Source: MLB.com - Sonja Chen
Source: MLB.com - Sonja Chen
Will Smith to Receive Cortisone Injection, Won't Return This Weekend
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that catcher Will Smith (neck) will receive a cortisone injection in his neck and won't be activated from the 10-day injured list this weekend, according to David Vassegh of 570 LA Sports. There is a question as to whether Smith will even travel with the team on their upcoming road trip that begins on Monday, June 22, in Minnesota and ends on Wednesday, July 1, in Sacramento. The Dodgers initially believed Smith wouldn't even need to go on the IL with his neck injury, but it has turned into a much more nagging injury. The 31-year-old still has a chance to make it back before the mid-July All-Star break, but time is running out. The former 32nd overall pick in 2016 out of the University of Louisville is having a down offensive year by his standards, slashing .249/.338/.382 with a .720 OPS, six home runs, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored across 173 at-bats. The three-time All-Star should remain rostered in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues while he heals up. Dalton Rushing will continue to serve as L.A.'s starting backstop until Smith can return.
Source: 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Source: 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Will Smith "Unlikely" to Come Off the Injured List on Friday
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that catcher Will Smith (neck) is "unlikely" to come off the 10-day injured list when he's eligible on Friday, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Smith went through a full day of work on Tuesday, but his neck is still bothering him. Roberts said the team is trying to get him to a place where he won't regress before rejoining the major-league roster. In the meantime, the Dodgers will continue to roll with Dalton Rushing as their primary backstop. The 25-year-old left-handed hitter has been solid behind Smith this year, slashing .262/.353/.508 with an .861 OPS, eight home runs, 21 RBI, and 21 runs scored in his 122 at-bats. In comparison, Smith is batting .249/.338/.382 this season with a .720 OPS, six long balls, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored in his 173 at-bats in his eighth year in the big leagues. The three-time All-Star should remain rostered in most fantasy baseball leagues as the Dodgers' starter when healthy. Smith is rostered in 84% of Yahoo leagues while he's on the IL.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Dodgers to Put Will Smith on the Injured list on Thursday
The Los Angeles Dodgers will place catcher Will Smith (neck) on the 10-day injured list on Thursday (backdated to Saturday) and will recall catcher Chuckie Robinson from Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. Smith will head to the shelf after missing the last four games with soreness in his neck, but he'll be eligible to return from the IL on June 19. In the meantime, Dalton Rushing will receive a short-term fantasy boost as L.A.'s primary catcher. Rushing has actually been more productive than Smith in 2026 in fewer plate appearances, entering Wednesday's game in Pittsburgh with a .286/.364/.552 slash line, a .917 OPS, eight home runs, 21 RBI, and 19 runs scored over his 105 at-bats. Smith hasn't been as productive so far this year, and he's hit just .209 (9-for-43) with two homers, two doubles, four RBI, seven runs scored, eight walks, and eight strikeouts in his last 13 games. Despite the disappointing numbers so far this year, Smith should be held in most fantasy baseball leagues.
Source: The Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
Source: The Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
Injured-List Stint "Most Likely" for Will Smith
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith's neck injury is progressing, but manager Dave Roberts said on Wednesday that an injured-list stint is "most likely," according to Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times. "We'll have to make that decision at some point in time tonight after the game," Roberts said. The 31-year-old veteran backstop was out of the starting lineup for a fourth straight game on Wednesday at PNC Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates and appears headed for an IL stint despite the Dodgers initially believing that his neck injury wasn't very serious. For however much longer Smith is out of action, Dalton Rushing will serve as the Dodgers' starting catcher. Smith, an All-Star in each of the last three seasons, hasn't been quite as productive as one of the top hitting catchers in fantasy, as he currently is sporting a .249/.338/.382 slash line with a career-worst .720 OPS, six home runs, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored in 201 plate appearances across 52 games played. Rushing is worth a look for fantasy managers in need of a short-term upgrade at the position. In limited action, he's been better than Smith, going 30-for-105 (.286) with eight long balls, 21 RBI, and 19 runs scored.
Source: Los Angeles Times - Maddie Lee
Source: Los Angeles Times - Maddie Lee
Will Smith Missing Fourth Straight Game With Neck Injury
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (neck) is missing a fourth straight game on Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, according to MLB.com. Dalton Rushing will make another start behind the dish and catch right-hander Shohei Ohtani while batting eighth against Pirates right-hander Jared Jones. Manager Dave Roberts initially said that Smith's neck injury was not serious, but with each passing day that he remains out, the possibility of him landing on the injured list increases. The good news is that the 31-year-old veteran backstop did some throwing and took batting practice in the batting cage before Tuesday's win over Pittsburgh. Check back to see if Smith is feeling good enough to play in Thursday's series finale against the Bucs. The three-time All-Star could be starting to slow down offensively in his eighth year in the big leagues, as he enters Wednesday's contest with a disappointing .249/.338/.382 slash line with a career-low .720 OPS, six home runs, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored in his 52 games played in 2026.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Will Smith Continues to Sit With Neck Injury
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (neck) continues to sit out of the starting lineup for the team's Tuesday matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, per MLB.com. Dalton Rushing will catch for left-hander Eric Lauer and will bat eighth against Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes. This will be Smith's third straight missed game due to stiffness in his neck, but manager Dave Roberts said over the weekend that the team expects him to return soon. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Wednesday to see if the veteran backstop is feeling good enough to return. The 31-year-old three-time All-Star has been a bit of a disappointment so far this year for fantasy managers, slashing .249/.338/.382 with a .720 OPS, six home runs, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored in 52 games across 201 plate appearances. Fantasy managers setting DFS lineups should look to avoid Rushing at the bottom of the batting order against one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. UPDATE: Roberts said on Tuesday that Smith "still doesn't feel right" and could require a stint on the injured list, per Sportsnet LA's Kirsten Watson.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Will Smith Out of Dodgers Lineup for Second Straight Game on Sunday
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (neck) remains out of his team's starting lineup for its Sunday matchup against the Los Angeles Angels. Smith was scratched from the Dodgers' lineup on Saturday due to neck stiffness. The 31-year-old is in the midst of a slight down year at the plate so far, hitting .249/.338/.382 with six home runs, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored across 201 plate appearances. However, Smith owns a career-best 13.4% barrel rate, and his .275 xBA and .494 xSLG both suggest that he's been a bit unlucky in his results. There's been no indication from the Dodgers that the team expects an extended absence from Smith, but this current neck injury is still worth monitoring for fantasy managers. Dalton Rushing is catching and batting sixth in Smith's place on Sunday and would likely see the majority of the playing time behind the plate for the Dodgers if Smith were to hit the injured list.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Will Smith Scratched With Neck Stiffness, Expected to Return on Sunday
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (neck) was scratched from Saturday night's game against the visiting Los Angeles Angels with a stiff neck, manager Dave Roberts told Maddie Lee of MLB.com. The skipper expects to have Smith available for the series finale at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, though, and the plan was for him to play in two of the three games in the Freeway Series. Dalton Rushing will do the catching for right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Saturday night and will bat eighth versus Angels right-hander Jack Kochanowicz. The 31-year-old Smith hasn't been nearly as good as he was in 2025 so far this year, as he enters Saturday's contest with a .249/.338/.382 slash line with a .720 OPS, six home runs, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored across 52 games and 201 plate appearances for the Blue. He has gone 9-for-43 (.209) with two homers, two doubles, four RBI, seven runs, eight walks, and eight strikeouts in his last 13 games, dating back to May 18. Smith's neck injury isn't serious, and hopefully a breather on Saturday will get him going early in June.
Source: MLB.com - Maddie Lee
Source: MLB.com - Maddie Lee
