Will Smith -- Injury Report
Injury Report sources for Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith sat out for a second consecutive day Sunday due to back tightness that flared up late in the previous week. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the issue would not require an injured list placement, noting Smith could play if necessary but the team opted to rest him. Roberts expressed hope for Smith's return to the lineup Monday and categorized him as day-to-day. Roberts initially indicated Sunday's lineup announcement came closer to first pitch than usual, suggesting the decision to sit Smith was made late. Backup catcher Dalton Rushing started in Smith's place and has performed exceptionally this season with a .400 batting average, 7 home runs, and 15 RBIs across 40 plate appearances, leading the team in both home runs and OPS (1.532) despite limited at-bats. Smith remains the team's primary catching option as a three-time All-Star who is batting .266 with 3 home runs and 14 RBIs this season. If Smith were to require IL placement, the Dodgers have minor-league options available including Seby Zavala, Chuckie Robinson, and Eliezer Alfonzo.
Will Smith sat out his second consecutive game on Sunday as the Dodgers faced the Cubs in their series finale, dealing with back tightness. Manager Dave Roberts characterized the injury as minor, stating Smith could have played if necessary but the team preferred to give him an extra rest day. Smith remains classified as day-to-day with no injured list consideration at this time.
Dalton Rushing, the Dodgers' No. 2 prospect from 2025, continues to serve as Smith's backup and has demonstrated significant improvement in his second MLB season. Through 11 games, Rushing is batting .400 with a 1.532 OPS and 7 home runs—a dramatic turnaround from his 2025 rookie campaign when he hit .204 with a .582 OPS across 53 games. Rushing attributed his success to a mental recalibration, noting he has developed better expectations for a backup role. The team expects Rushing to continue receiving regular at-bats on a series-by-series basis pending Smith's availability.