The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a conundrum with the expected move of starting catcher Will Smith to the injured list, and the team started to take action on Wednesday.
Smith, who’s suffering from a neck injury, is “most likely” headed to the injured list, manager Dave Roberts said, as reported by Jack Harris of the California Post.
With that move expected to come Thursday, the Dodgers are already preparing add a catcher, as outside of Smith, Dalton Rushing is the only catcher on the roster. Infield utility player Tyler Fitzgerald was released on Wednesday.
Sep 28, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) throws to first base on a ground out by San Diego Padres left fielder Jurickson Profar (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Roberts also disclosed to Harris that the new catcher will likely be starting as soon as Friday, as reported by Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.
“Dalton Rushing will catch all 3 games in Pittsburgh,” Plunkett reported. “Whoever gets called up will start Friday in Chicago. Will Smith available in emergency but that would kill back dating.”
Who will the Dodgers call up?
The team’s Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City Comets, recently released catcher Seby Zavala, leaving two options: Eliezer Alfonzo and Chuckie Robinson.
Sep 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Chuckie Robinson (52) runs toward first base after a bunt against the Philadelphia Phillies in the third inning at Dodger Stadium.
While Alfonzo has played the majority of games for the Comets so far this year, Robinson has big-league experience, notching 52 games over the course of his career, including an appearance for the Dodgers last season.
Dodgers Nation’s Aaron Coloma broke down the decision between Alfonzo and Robinson as choosing between experience and offense.
“The Dodgers value getting younger players consistent reps as well, so they may look towards Robinson for that reason,” he wrote. “If they want offensive production, though, Alfonzo may be the way to go given his performance this season and Robinson’s past numbers in the bigs. Over his 52 games, Robinson has a .361 OPS in MLB.”
In the minors, though, Robinson’s OPS is .763 this season, which is slightly edged out by Alfonzo’s .781 OPS.
Who would you like the Dodgers to call up?
LA Baseball Report
Get the app for faster news
GET ×