​The Los Angeles Dodgers have two players on the injured list who aren’t making steady progress heading into the All-Star break. Tyler Glasnow, sidelined since May with back spasms, has finally begun throwing again, but he remains far from a full ramp-up. After an initial throwing program that stalled early, Glasnow has been throwing the ball lightly and is not yet increasing distance or workload. “Tyler has just continued his progression, but really nothing more than kind of playing catch right now as far as lengthening out the distance,” a source said. Images from late October 2025 show Glasnow on the mound at Dodger Stadium during the World Series, meeting with pitching coach Mark Prior and catcher Will Smith as they work through the early stages of his return timeline. With nearly two months on the injured list behind him, the slow pace of his progress raises concerns, though the Dodgers are known for easing players back into action rather than forcing a rapid return. Rather than pushing him to accelerate, Los Angeles is likely to let Glasnow’s back heal properly and assess his status again after the All-Star break.
The other veteran on the Dodgers’ injury list is Will Smith, who has missed more than a month and counting. He was initially expected to be out for only a short period, but ongoing baseball-related activity has brought renewed discomfort from his inflamed disk. Smith has remained available for light activity and has resumed some baseball actions following a pause, but there is still no indication of a true ramp-up. Manager Dave Roberts described the situation as not a ramp-up, but rather a continued effort to stay active and maintain looseness while healing. This suggests a continued timeline of limited participation as the team evaluates when he can rejoin the active lineup at a higher intensity. A photo from June 30, 2026, captures Roberts observing a game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park, underscoring the ongoing challenge of managing long-term injuries for the Dodgers.
Given Smith’s extended absence, a rehabilitation assignment in the minor leagues seems likely once he reaches a point where the organization believes he can build toward real competitive play without risking a setback. In the meantime, Dalton Rushing has emerged as the Dodgers’ catcher of record, moving into the role full-time after dealing with a few rough patches. Rushing has begun to settle, becoming a reliable presence behind the plate and contributing offensively as he gains more experience catching at the major league level. His continued development provides a stabilizing factor for the Dodgers as they navigate the injury-prone period and evaluate how best to structure their roster while Glasnow and Smith work their way back.
In sum, Los Angeles is dealing with two veteran players who are not progressing rapidly toward a return, with Glasnow slowly ramping up and Smith still navigating the effects of a back-related disk issue. The club’s strategy appears to be focused on a careful, methodical recovery, potentially including a minor-league rehab assignment for Smith to rebuild timing and confidence before re-entering the majors. As the season moves forward, the Dodgers will monitor both players closely and decide when to push for a return that does not risk a more serious setback, all while Rushing continues to grow into his role as the team’s primary catcher.