Overview
- Manager Dave Roberts said Smith has been pain-free for about a week and has resumed lifting, throwing and taking swings as part of his rehab program.
- Smith remains on the 60-day injured list and is not eligible to be activated until August 7, so he will need extra time to ramp up before returning to game duty.
- Dalton Rushing has served as the primary catcher while Smith has been sidelined and has shown clear improvement in July after a midseason drop in production.
- The Dodgers’ need to make a major catching move at the deadline has eased, though they could still pursue low-cost depth options like Ben Rortvedt if concerns resurface.
- Roberts also reported positive rehab steps for pitchers Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, an update that helps the club’s late-season and playoff planning.