Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is set to miss an undetermined amount of time, with no end in sight for his injured list placement.
According to manager Dave Roberts, Smith has not resumed baseball activities despite getting an injection that was supposed to help with his neck pain.
However, things have not progressed as expected, and Smith now faces an indefinite timeline that could stretch into the period after the All-Star break.
Per MLB.com’s Sonja Chen, Dave Roberts said the absence is getting to the point where the ramp-up will take longer.
Jun 16, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith during batting practice before the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
“I think it’s concerning in the sense that it’s a lot longer than we’d expected,” Roberts said. “It’s not concerning because we don’t think it’s a long-term situation.”
How did Will Smith get injured?
His injury came quite randomly, with the catcher waking up with something in his neck. Originally, Roberts thought it would be a day or two of absence, with no real concern, but as time has passed, it is clear that it was either more than they expected or he has just not progressed.
“I just woke up and it was tight,” Smith said. “That happens every now and then. Goes away in a day or two. It just didn’t this time.”
“It’s nothing too serious, nothing I’m worried about long term or anything. Just got to get it right now.”
May 6, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brock Stewart (41) is congratulated by catcher Dalton Rushing (68) after the final out against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
In his absence, Dalton Rushing has stepped up as the starting catcher, which has come with some growing pains.
Additionally, Chuckie Robinson has served as the backup catcher. He is a defensive specialist who cannot swing the bat all that well, but for the time being, he is enough for the Dodgers to continue.
Come playoff time, the Dodgers will need Smith to be healthy and firing, especially since he is so clutch in key moments, but there is still more than enough time for that.