The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed catcher Will Smith on the 60-day injured list due to an ongoing neck injury. The move, which became effective Tuesday, clears a spot on the 40-man roster for pitching staff reinforcements and signals a prolonged absence for the three-time All-Star.
Smith's injury, initially categorized as day-to-day after he first experienced stiffness in early June, has proven more complex than anticipated. Inflammation of a disc in his neck has required him to be shut down from baseball activities. While he has recently become more active and reported feeling pain-free, his return is now not expected until at least mid-to-late August, a timeline that could influence the team's approach to the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Manaager Dave Roberts indicated that the Dodgers currently feel comfortable with backup catcher Dalton Rushing, who has filled in for Smith over the past couple of months, and rookie Eliezer Alfonzo. However, any further setbacks for Smith could prompt the team to seek additional catching depth before the trade deadline, especially given the limited organizational depth behind Rushing.
Roberts has expressed confidence that Smith will return this season, but acknowledged that the exact timeline remains uncertain until Smith makes more substantial progress in his rehabilitation. The transfer to the 60-day injured list serves as a reminder that his return is not imminent.