The Los Angeles Dodgers will place star catcher Will Smith on the 10-day injured list ahead of Thursday’s game, manager Dave Roberts confirmed to reporters. Smith has been sidelined due to a stiff neck and will be sidelined through at least next Wednesday. The move allows the team to call up 29-year-old catcher Chuckie Robinson from Triple-A Oklahoma City, providing backup support to Dalton Rushing.
Roberts said the injury is not a cause for major concern, describing it as a minor issue that has kept Smith from playing since Friday. The Dodgers will backdate Smith’s IL placement up to three days, ensuring he receives full rest while remaining a key part of the team’s plans. Smith’s absence marks the first significant health scare of the season for the 2023 NL MVP.
Smith has started slowly in 2024, hitting .249/.338/.382 through 201 plate appearances. While his numbers are a slight step back from recent years, his plate discipline and batted ball metrics remain consistent with his track record. The Dodgers remain confident in his ability to finish the season strong. Smith is still among the top catchers in baseball despite a potential All-Star snub.
With Smith out, the catching duties will fall to Dalton Rushing, who has been performing admirably in his own right. Rushing is hitting .275/.352/.532 this season and has started four straight games. His solid production has shown he is more than capable of handling the role on a full-time basis for the next week or so.
To fill the roster spot, the Dodgers released Tyler Fitzgerald to make room. The move clears the way for Robinson, who returns to the majors after a brief 2023 season with the Reds and White Sox. Robinson is hitting .274/.338/.466 in 20 games at Oklahoma City and has shown enough to earn his chance at the big league level.
Roberts will look to manage the catching situation carefully as the team continues its schedule. The Dodgers don’t have another off day until next Thursday, so stability behind the plate is crucial. Smith is expected to be re-evaluated on May 15, with a return date to follow.
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