Will Smith’s injury gets crucial update after Dodgers-Angels series

The Los Angeles Dodgers took two of three from the Los Angeles Angels this weekend to extend their NL West lead. While there have been so many positives to take from this season so far for the defending champs, they were holding their breath on some injury news. Dodgers catcher Will Smith left Friday’s game with a neck injury. Manager Dave Roberts provided an update after Sunday’s loss, per Matthew Moreno of Dodger Blue.

“‘It’s not serious but it’s preventing him from playing.’ – Dave Roberts on Will Smith’s stiff neck. Smith got imaging on his neck, which didn’t reveal anything. His status for Tuesday is TBD,” Moreno reported.

Smith has been vital to three Dodgers World Series titles this decade, including the game-winning homer in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series. After a .901 OPS in the regular season, he was key offensively and defensively to LA’s title defense. When healthy, this year has not been as successful, and now he will miss some time.

The Dodgers do have a catcher waiting in the wings who has been a serious offensive threat this year. Dalton Rushing has made headlines for his antics on the field, but his .845 OPS has flown under the radar. For whatever time Smith has to miss, Rushing is a great replacement.

The Dodgers are not able to use Rushing and Smith as the designated hitter very often. Most teams with two offensive catchers like that would utilize the DH in that way, but most teams don’t have Shohei Ohtani. That’s a trade-off Roberts is willing to make, as Ohtani is having another historic season. Now, Rushing will get some run as Smith recovers.

With the Angels in the rearview, the Dodgers hit the road to face the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago White Sox. They lead the NL West by 7.5 games over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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