The Los Angeles Dodgers could be getting an important piece of their lineup back soon, with catcher Will Smith continuing to make progress toward a potential return from the Injured List.
Smith has been sidelined since June 11 because of neck inflammation and was transferred to the 60-day IL in July. After spending time away from baseball activities during the All-Star break, Smith has resumed working toward a return and could begin a minor-league rehab assignment as soon as next week.
The Dodgers have been cautious with Smith throughout the recovery process, particularly after the neck issue continued to bother him despite getting some work in at the plate. The additional rest was intended to give him an opportunity to recover before beginning a more consistent progression back to game action.
Now, Smith is expected to increase his baseball activities, including live batting practice against pitchers. How he responds to that work will help determine when he is ready to begin his rehab assignment.
Los Angeles is currently targeting Sept. 1 as a possible return date, though there is still plenty that needs to happen before Smith is activated. The Dodgers will want to make sure he can handle the demands of playing regularly behind the plate before bringing him back to the Major League roster.
Smith's return could provide a significant boost to a Dodgers offense that has struggled to find consistency at times. Before suffering the injury, Smith hit .249 with six home runs in 52 games.
The Dodgers have also been dealing with an injury to backup catcher Dalton Rushing, who has been sidelined after suffering a slight UCL tear in his right elbow. Rushing has been shut down from throwing and may not return until later in the season.
That has left Los Angeles relying on Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia behind the plate while both Smith and Rushing work their way back. While both catchers remain serviceable options, working without the bats of Smith and Rushing has certainly hindered what the staff has been able to do at the plate.
Smith's eventual return would give the Dodgers another experienced bat while also restoring a catcher who has played an important role for the team in recent seasons. For now, the focus remains on getting him through the next stage of his recovery.
If Smith handles live batting practice and a subsequent rehab assignment without setbacks, the Dodgers could have him back behind the plate as they enter the final month of the regular season.