Dodgers’ Dave Roberts shares pivotal Will Smith injury update

Los Angeles Dodgers star catcher Will Smith is recovering from neck inflammation. Although Smith still has work to do amid his injury recovery, it seems as if he could return within the next couple of weeks. Katie Woo of The Athletic shared a report on the situation after manager Dave Roberts provided an update on Sunday.

“Will Smith won’t travel with the team on the upcoming 10-day road trip, Dave Roberts said, but is hopeful Smith will be activated off the IL by the next homestand (July 2 vs. SD). Said a rehab assignment is contingent on his progression while team is away,” Woo reported.

The Dodgers obviously want Smith to return soon, but Dalton Rushing is more than capable of handling catcher duties amid Smith’s injury absence. LA’s depth is one of their greatest strengths. They are one of the few teams in the league who can lose multiple star players to injuries and still find success.

Through 52 games played this season, Smith has recorded a slash line of .249/.338/.382 across 52 games played. The catcher has also hit  six home runs and five doubles. He is one of baseball’s best catchers.

Los Angeles is set to enter its game against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday with a 49-28 record, which is good for the best mark in baseball. Playing without Smith — and other stars such as Blake Snell, Teoscar Hernandez and Tyler Glasnow (who are all injured as well) — is far from ideal, but this Dodgers ball club is still finding ways to win games.

First pitch for the Orioles and Dodgers game on Sunday afternoon is scheduled for 4:10 PM EST at Dodger Stadium.