The Los Angeles Dodgers received encouraging news regarding one of their most important players as catcher Will Smith continues making steady progress in his recovery from injury. After spending several weeks on the injured list, the veteran backstop has reached another milestone that suggests his return may not be far away.
Smith has been sidelined since being placed on the 10-day injured list on June 11, with the move made retroactive to June 8. The three-time All-Star has been recovering from neck inflammation and an inflamed disc, injuries that forced the Dodgers to reshuffle their catching responsibilities during a demanding stretch of the season.
Although the organization has not announced a timetable for his return, recent developments point to meaningful progress. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Smith has resumed baseball activities, a positive sign as the club looks forward to welcoming one of its most reliable contributors back to the active roster.
With the second half of the season approaching, the Dodgers hope Smith’s recovery remains on schedule. His return would strengthen both the lineup and the pitching staff while providing added flexibility for a team with championship aspirations.
1. Recovery Reaches an Important Stage
Smith recently resumed hitting in the batting cage, marking one of the most encouraging developments since his injury. Returning to baseball-related activities is often a significant step for players recovering from neck and back issues, particularly for catchers whose position demands constant physical strain.
In addition to swinging the bat again, Smith has also begun a structured throwing progression. The throwing program represents another important checkpoint, allowing the Dodgers to gradually evaluate his arm strength and overall readiness before increasing his workload.
While the club has not established a firm return date, the latest update indicates that Smith is moving in the right direction. The Dodgers will likely continue monitoring his progress carefully to ensure he experiences no setbacks during the final stages of rehabilitation.
Before rejoining the major league roster, Smith could be assigned to a minor league rehabilitation stint. Such assignments allow injured players to regain game conditioning and timing in a competitive environment before returning to regular major league action.
2. Dodgers Adjust Without Their Starting Catcher
During Smith’s absence, the Dodgers have relied on rookie Dalton Rushing to handle the majority of the catching duties. The young catcher has received valuable experience while stepping into one of the most demanding defensive positions on the field.
Chuckie Robinson has provided additional depth as the backup catcher, helping the club maintain stability behind the plate while Smith continues his recovery. Both players have filled important roles during a period when the Dodgers have been forced to adjust their regular lineup.
Even so, Smith’s eventual return is expected to restore the team’s preferred catching arrangement. As one of the league’s more complete catchers, he provides value through his game-calling, defensive leadership, and offensive production, making him an integral part of Los Angeles’ success.
Manager Dave Roberts could also use Smith in the designated hitter role on occasion once he returns. That flexibility would allow the Dodgers to keep his bat in the lineup while managing his workload behind the plate, especially during stretches of consecutive games.
3. Smith Remains a Key Piece for Los Angeles
Before suffering the injury, Smith had appeared in 52 games during the 2026 season. Although his .249 batting average sat below his career mark of .263, he continued contributing consistently in several offensive categories.
Across 173 at-bats, Smith collected 43 hits while posting a .338 on-base percentage. He also added six home runs and 23 runs batted in, numbers that reflected his ability to remain productive even without matching some of his previous offensive standards.
The Dodgers believe Smith’s experience and leadership become even more valuable as the season progresses toward the postseason. His chemistry with the pitching staff and familiarity with handling high-pressure situations make him one of the club’s most trusted veterans.
Los Angeles will continue its schedule against the San Diego Padres as Smith works toward completing his rehabilitation. While the Dodgers remain patient throughout his recovery, every positive update brings the veteran catcher another step closer to returning to a team aiming to remain among baseball’s elite contenders.