Overview
- Will Smith has been sidelined with neck stiffness since June 6 and was placed on the 10-day injured list on June 11.
- A recent follow-up scan showed no major structural damage but Smith still reports discomfort, so the team plans an injection to reduce the sensation.
- Manager Dave Roberts said Smith will not travel for the upcoming road trip and activation has been pushed beyond the first eligible date while the club monitors his response to treatment.
- Dalton Rushing has been elevated into a larger catching role and Chuckie Robinson was recalled to provide depth after the Dodgers cleared a roster spot.
- The Dodgers are taking a conservative approach to protect Smith for October, noting his surface offense is down this year while some Statcast metrics suggest his underlying performance remains strong.