Dodgers Delay Will Smith’s Return After Scan Shows No Major Damage

Overview

• Will Smith remains on the injured list after an initial expectation of a short absence stretched into a longer recovery because his neck symptoms have persisted despite clean imaging.
• Manager Dave Roberts said recent scans showed no major structural damage but that Smith still feels uncomfortable, prompting the team to administer a steroid-type shot to reduce sensation.
• The Dodgers are holding Smith out of immediate action and have not cleared him to be active for the upcoming games, with his travel status to the road trip left uncertain.
• Backup Dalton Rushing has taken on primary catching duties while veteran Chuckie Robinson provides experienced depth, creating extra workload and pressure on the club’s catching reserves.
• Los Angeles is taking a cautious approach driven by Smith’s importance to game-calling and postseason plans and by his modest offensive numbers this season, giving the team room to protect his availability for October.