Dodgers Announce Release of All-Star After Will Smith News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 5:43 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to get healthy before the postseason, and that now includes Will Smith, who exited Wednesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates with a right-hand contusion.

The 30-year-old catcher had an excellent start to the season, earning his third consecutive All-Star selection for Los Angeles. While his second-half numbers have dipped slightly, Smith remains one of baseball’s best catchers, as he has been for the better part of the last three seasons.

Across 109 games this year, Smith has posted a .296 batting average, .405 on-base percentage, .902 OPS, 17 home runs and 61 RBIs, while taking a step forward defensively.

Will Smith Injury Update

After Wednesday’s game, the Dodgers announced that Smith’s X-rays came back negative, and he appeared to avoid a significant injury.

Ahead of Thursday’s series finale against Pittsburgh, the team revealed via MLB.com’s Sonja Chen that Smith would still undergo a CT scan while the club determines whether an IL stint is necessary.

In response, the Dodgers called up catcher Ben Rortvedt to the active roster, optioned infielder Alex Freeland, and unexpectedly designated former All-Star closer Alexis Diaz for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.

The team wrote, "The Dodgers have selected the contract of catcher Ben Rortvedt and optioned IF Alex Freeland. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated RHP Alexis Díaz for assignment."

The Dodgers have selected the contract of catcher Ben Rortvedt and optioned IF Alex Freeland. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated RHP Alexis Díaz for assignment.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 4, 2025

Los Angeles has opted to carry three catchers for now, and Diaz’s removal comes as a surprise.

The 28-year-old previously pitched for the Cincinnati Reds, earning an All-Star nod in 2023. He had a few shaky outings for the Dodgers, posting a 5.00 ERA in nine appearances, but still flashed his dominant arsenal. His 1.000 WHIP with Los Angeles was the lowest of his career.

Despite that, the Dodgers bullpen is getting healthy, with Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates and Alex Vesia all returning or nearing activation—leading to the decision to cut ties with Diaz.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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