The Los Angeles Dodgers have activated catcher Will Smith and backup catcher Dalton Rushing from the injured list, bolstering a slumping lineup as the team enters the final stretch of the regular season. The moves were made Tuesday, coinciding with MLB's expansion of rosters.
Smith, a three-time All-Star, missed nearly three months with an inflamed disc in his neck. His return is expected to bring stability to the unsettled catching position, which has seen multiple players cycle through the roster during his absence. Prior to his injury, Smith was hitting .249 with a .720 OPS in 52 games.
Rushing returns sooner than anticipated from a torn elbow ligament, though he is expected to be limited to pinch-hitting duties for the immediate future as he progresses through a throwing program. His left-handed bat off the bench provides a needed option for the Dodgers' offense.
Pitcher Justin Wrobleski was also activated from the injured list. In other roster adjustments, infielder Alex Freeland was called up, outfielder Alek Thomas was optioned to the minors, and catcher Ben Rortvedt was designated for assignment.
The Dodgers' offense struggled in August, scoring the fifth-fewest runs in MLB and posting a 13-14 record. Smith's return is anticipated to help fill the void left by Andy Pages, who is on the injured list with a broken hand. The addition of Freeland may allow Tommy Edman to see more time in the outfield, potentially pairing with Teoscar Hernández against right-handed pitching.
Hunter Feduccia will back up Smith behind the plate. Feduccia hit .262 in 20 games during Smith's absence and is expected to remain on the big-league roster. Rortvedt was DFA'd after batting .185 and could remain with the organization if he goes unclaimed on waivers.