Dodgers’ Will Smith suddenly scratched from lineup vs. Angels

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made a surprise change to the lineup before Saturday’s home game against the Los Angeles Angels. Three-time All-Star catcher Will Smith woke up with a stiff neck and will not play tonight, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The expectation is that he will be good to go for Sunday’s series finale. Dalton Rushing, who is batting .266 with seven home runs, 18 RBIs and an .864 OPS in 105 plate appearances, will handle duties behind the plate instead.

Smith cannot catch a break in 2026. One of the team’s steadiest contributors over the last few years, the 31-year-old is scuffling through the first couple months of the campaign. He owns a .249 batting average, .338 on-base percentage, .382 slugging percentage and .720 OPS. His usually reliable power is also down, as illustrated by the six home runs he has hit in 201 plate appearances. Perhaps this mini-break is needed.

The Dodgers have enough talent to survive Smith’s struggles and temporary absence, especially given Rushing’s breakout, but his two-way impact is difficult to measure. The 2016 first-round draft pick has been a source of great stability during the Dodgers’ last three World Series runs and he remains valuable in the pursuit of a three-peat.

Fortunately for Roberts and company, having a highly productive backup catcher can allow Will Smith to ease his way back to full health. No. 16 will watch closely from the dugout as The Boys in Blue (41-23) try to win their fourth game in five days. First pitch for Angels-Dodgers is scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET in Chavez Ravine.

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