Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith has taken a significant step toward rejoining the team by beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Smith has been sidelined for over three months due to an inflamed disk in his neck.
On Tuesday, Smith started behind the plate for Oklahoma City, batting second and catching for five innings. He last played on June 5, and the Dodgers placed him on the injured list a week later. The injury was initially diagnosed as neck inflammation before it was later identified as an inflamed disk.
The team acquired two catchers, Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia, in August to bolster depth during Smith's absence. However, the primary hope has always been for Smith to be healthy for the playoffs.
This season, Smith has appeared in 52 games, batting .249 with a .720 OPS. He has the opportunity to improve those numbers before the regular season concludes, provided there are no setbacks during his rehabilitation assignment. The Dodgers are prioritizing his long-term health, aiming for him to be fully healthy in October.