Dodgers Lean on Depth and Caution as Will Smith Sits With Back Tightness

The Los Angeles Dodgers, the two-time defending World Series champions, have opened the 2026 season with another strong campaign, reinforcing expectations that they remain among baseball’s most complete teams. Entering Saturday night’s matchup with the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles held a 17-9 record and sat narrowly behind the San Diego Padres in the National League West.

Much of the optimism surrounding the Dodgers stems from their star-studded core, led by Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and catcher Will Smith. That group has allowed Los Angeles to remain competitive on a nightly basis, even when individual performances fluctuate.

Manager Dave Roberts has consistently emphasized balance over urgency in managing his roster, trusting the depth and talent of his lineup to sustain success over a 162-game season rather than overextending players in April and May.

That philosophy was again evident as the Dodgers adjusted their lineup ahead of the Cubs series, prioritizing long-term health over short-term availability.

1. Early Season Success Built On Star Core Stability

The Dodgers’ strong start has mirrored their recent championship-level consistency, with elite production coming from across the roster. Their ability to rely on multiple MVP-caliber players has helped stabilize performance even during minor injuries or rest days. Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman continue to anchor the lineup, providing both power and consistency in key moments. Their presence allows Los Angeles to remain competitive even when supporting contributors rotate in and out of the lineup. That depth has been particularly important in a tightly contested division race, where small differences in health and performance can quickly affect standings. As a result, the Dodgers remain firmly in contention despite being just half a game behind the Padres entering the weekend.

2. Roberts Prioritizes Long-Term Health Over Short-Term Gains

Manager Dave Roberts has taken a measured approach to lineup management, particularly when it comes to player health. Rather than pushing stars through minor discomfort, the organization has opted for precautionary rest when needed. That approach was again applied to Will Smith, who was held out of Saturday’s game due to back tightness. The decision was made as a precaution rather than out of concern for a significant injury. Roberts has made it clear that his focus is on maintaining player availability over the course of the full season, especially given the demands of postseason expectations. By managing workloads early, the Dodgers aim to avoid long-term setbacks that could impact October performance.

3. Will Smith’s Importance To Dodgers’ Lineup

Smith remains a key contributor to the Dodgers’ offensive and defensive structure. As the team’s primary catcher, he plays a critical role in game management while also providing consistent production in the middle of the lineup. He famously delivered one of the defining moments of last year’s championship run, hitting the decisive home run in Game 7 of the World Series. That performance further cemented his importance to the franchise. So far in 2026, Smith has posted a .266 batting average with three home runs and 14 RBIs, continuing to provide steady offensive output while handling the physical demands of catching. The Dodgers expect his absence to be short-term, with plans for him to potentially return for Sunday’s series finale if his condition improves as expected.