Will Smith
Breakdown
Performance
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April 29, 2026
Resting up Wednesday
Smith is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins.
Analysis
After missing a couple of games over the weekend due to a back issue, Smith returned to action and started behind the plate in the first two games of the series with Miami, going 3-for-9 with an RBI between the contests. Smith isn't believed to have suffered any setbacks coming out of either of those games, so he's presumably just getting a breather for Wednesday's matinee. Dalton Rushing will draw the start at catcher in the series finale.
April 27, 2026
Returns to Dodgers' lineup
Smith (back) will start at catcher and bat third in Monday's game versus the Marlins.
Analysis
Smith missed each of the previous two contests with back tightness, but he's feeling well enough to give it a go in Monday's series opener. The veteran catcher has slashed .266/.337/.392 with three home runs across his first 89 plate appearances this season.
April 26, 2026
On bench again Sunday
Smith (back) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.
Analysis
The veteran backstop was held out of the lineup Saturday due to back tightness and was expected to rejoin the lineup Sunday, but the Dodgers will instead give him an extra day to recover. Manager Dave Roberts said the injured list isn't currently being considered and indicated that Smith could play Sunday, if necessary. Dalton Rushing will pick up a second straight start behind the plate for the Dodgers.
April 25, 2026
Dealing with back tightness
Smith isn't in the starting lineup Saturday versus the Cubs due to a tight back, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.
Analysis
Manager Dave Roberts explained that Smith's back is "a little tight" but said he expects the catcher to be back behind the plate Sunday. It doesn't sound like Smith is dealing with anything serious, but fantasy managers who roster the backstop will certainly be relieved if he does indeed miss just one game. Dalton Rushing is starting at catcher for the Dodgers in Smith's stead Saturday.
April 25, 2026
Getting rest Saturday
Smith is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's matchup against the Cubs, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.
Analysis
Smith belted a three-run homer Friday, but he'll begin the middle contest of the three-game series on the bench. That will give Dalton Rushing, who is having a big season as Smith's backup, another chance to start. Smith figures to be back in the lineup Sunday for the series finale.
April 25, 2026
Belts third homer
Smith went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Friday's 6-4 loss to the Cubs.
Analysis
Smith started the scoring with a blast off Jameson Taillon in the third inning. Prior to Friday, Smith had gone 0-for-9 with a walk and two strikeouts over his previous three games. The catcher is batting a solid .266 with a .729 OPS, three homers, 14 RBI, 11 runs scored and no stolen bases over 24 contests this season. The Dodgers have a good problem in trying to balance playing time between Smith and Dalton Rushing, who has been even better at the dish with seven home runs in just 35 plate appearances. That's a battle that Smith is winning for now, though he may get more off days during his slumps if Rushing's bat stays hot as well.