​Dodgers fans are keeping a close eye on catcher Will Smith, who has spent an extended stretch on the injured list with an issue described as disc inflammation. Ahead of the final game before the All-Star break, manager Dave Roberts offered an update that underscored the uncertainty surrounding Smith’s return. “I still don’t see him doing anything that’s substantial in terms of a return to play,” Roberts said. He added that he’s reluctant to pin a timeline on the comeback, but remains confident Smith will be back this season, even if the exact date remains unknown.
Smith has been out for more than a month, initially hoped to be a short-term setback. What began as a minor issue soon grew more serious than expected, forcing him to be scratched from a game against the Angels in early June. Since that moment, Smith hasn’t appeared in a Dodgers lineup, with Dalton Rushing absorbing the bulk of catching duties in his absence.
In the early days of the injury, Smith described the onset as frustrating and confusing. “It happened in Arizona, I played on it a couple days, then at home last Friday, and by the third or fourth day, I could tell it was getting worse. I couldn’t play that day,” he recalled. “We thought it would get better in a couple of days, but it’s taking longer than anticipated.”
Now, with the All-Star break in the rearview mirror, Smith’s status is one of the top ongoing storylines for the Dodgers. The team will likely pursue a rehab assignment once he’s cleared to resume baseball activities, given how long he’s been sidelined. The goal is to have him back in a full-time role as soon as possible, but the exact timing hinges on how quickly he can regain strength and return to his typical form at the plate.
Smith has remained a steady, veteran presence when healthy, consistently contributing to the Dodgers’ lineup and providing veteran leadership behind the plate. As the season progresses, the Dodgers will rely on him not only for his defensive reliability and game-calling acumen but also for his bat in the middle of the order.
From a performance perspective, Smith had a season that wasn’t meeting his usual standards. He carried a .249 batting average this year, a step down from his strong .296 mark in 2025. When he’s fully back, the Dodgers will be hoping he can regain his customary form at the plate, delivering the kind of offense and consistency that have long made him a cornerstone of the club’s lineup.
Until Smith returns to full strength, Dalton Rushing will continue to seize the opportunity to show what he can contribute, both behind the plate and in the batter’s box. Rushing has embraced the chance to perform at the major league level with extended playing time, and his development could influence how the Dodgers deploy their catching depth once Smith is back in the fold. The organization will be watching closely as Smith progresses through his rehab and works toward reinstatement, mindful of the impact his return could have on both the lineup and the clubhouse dynamic.