Will Smith Late Scratch Forces Dodgers Lineup Change vs Angels

The Los Angeles Dodgers were forced into a late lineup adjustment on Saturday night after catcher Will Smith was scratched shortly before first pitch against the Los Angeles Angels. The change came as a surprise ahead of a key divisional matchup at Dodger Stadium.

According to reports, Smith woke up with a stiff neck and was deemed unavailable for the game. Manager Dave Roberts opted to make the cautious decision, keeping the veteran catcher out of the lineup with hopes of a quick return.

The expectation within the organization is that Smith will be ready to play in Sunday’s series finale, minimizing the long-term impact of the setback. Still, his absence created an immediate reshuffling of the Dodgers’ defensive alignment.

In his place, Dalton Rushing stepped into the starting catcher role, continuing a strong stretch of production in limited opportunities this season.

1. Rushing Steps Into Expanded Role

Dalton Rushing was inserted into the lineup to handle catching duties, giving the Dodgers an opportunity to lean on one of their emerging young contributors. The 23-year-old has impressed in his limited major league appearances. Entering the game, Rushing was batting .266 with seven home runs, 18 RBIs, and an .864 OPS across 105 plate appearances. His offensive production has been one of the more encouraging developments for the Dodgers’ depth chart. The organization has taken notice of his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, particularly in spot starts where he has shown composure behind the plate. With Smith sidelined for the night, Rushing’s role becomes even more important as he handles the pitching staff in a rivalry game against a division opponent.

2. Smith’s Struggles Continue in 2026 Season

Smith’s scratch adds another small setback to what has been a challenging 2026 campaign so far. The veteran catcher has not been operating at his usual All-Star level through the early part of the season. Through 201 plate appearances, Smith is hitting .249 with a .338 on-base percentage and a .382 slugging percentage, resulting in a .720 OPS. Those numbers reflect a noticeable dip from his typical production. His power output has also declined, with six home runs marking a slower pace than previous seasons. For a player known for consistent middle-of-the-order impact, the drop has been significant. Despite the struggles, Smith remains a key piece of the Dodgers’ core, valued for his leadership, defensive reliability, and postseason experience.

3. Dodgers Maintain Depth Amid Ongoing Push

Even with Smith unavailable, the Dodgers remain well-positioned thanks to their roster depth. Rushing’s emergence has given the team flexibility at a position that often lacks reliable backups across the league. The Dodgers have relied on that depth throughout the season to manage injuries and short-term absences, allowing them to stay competitive even when key contributors are unavailable. Manager Dave Roberts has frequently emphasized the importance of having multiple capable options behind the plate, particularly during a long season where wear and tear is inevitable. With a 41-23 record entering the game, Los Angeles continues to play at a high level while navigating minor setbacks, and Smith is expected to rejoin the lineup soon as the team pushes forward in its divisional race.