Will Smith
Breakdown
Performance
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June 11, 2026
Officially placed on IL
The Dodgers placed Smith on the 10-day injured list Thursday, retroactive to Monday, due to neck inflammation.
Analysis
Smith has missed the Dodgers' last four games because of his injured neck, and manager Dave Roberts confirmed Wednesday that the All-Star backstop would require an IL stint and ramp-up period before returning to action. Dalton Rushing will fill in behind the plate most days while Smith is out, and Chuckie Robinson will join the big club from Triple-A to work as the backup catcher.
June 11, 2026
Ticketed for injured list
The Dodgers will place Smith (neck) on the 10-day injured list Thursday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.
Analysis
After sitting him down for four straight games because of neck soreness, the Dodgers have officially decided to send Smith to the injured list. Manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that the 31-year-old backstop is progressing but has missed too much time to return without a ramp-up period. He'll be eligible to return to the Dodgers' lineup June 19; meanwhile, Dalton Rushing will take over as Los Angeles' primary catcher, and Chuckie Robinson will come up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to provide depth.
June 10, 2026
Likely bound for IL
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that Smith (neck) will "most likely" be placed on the injured list, Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times reports. "We'll have to make that decision at some point in time [after Wednesday's game against the Pirates]," Roberts said.
Analysis
Roberts acknowledged that the three-time All-Star is progressing, but Smith -- who will be out of the lineup Wednesday for a fourth straight game -- has missed enough time at this point that he'll require a ramp-up period before returning to action, per Jack Harris of the California Post. Dalton Rushing will step in as the Dodgers' top backstop for the duration of Smith's absence, and Los Angeles will likely call up Chuckie Robinson or Eliezer Alfonzo from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Thursday's series finale in Pittsburgh to serve as Rushing's understudy.
June 10, 2026
Not starting Wednesday
Smith (neck) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates.
Analysis
Though recent imaging on Smith's neck revealed nothing overly concerning, the catcher will nonetheless remain on the bench for a fourth straight game Wednesday. Smith was able to do some throwing and take some indoor batting practice prior to Tuesday's series opener in Pittsburgh, but a stint on the injured list could still be in play for the 31-year-old. Dalton Rushing will make another start Wednesday and is the only other catcher on the 40-man roster for the moment, but the Dodgers opened up a spot by releasing infielder Tyler Fitzgerald and can now more easily promote another backstop from the minors if Smith needs to go on the IL.
June 9, 2026
Injured list stint possible
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that Smith (neck) "still doesn't feel right" and might need a stint on the injured list, Kirsten Watson of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.
Analysis
Smith did some hitting and played catch pregame Tuesday, but his neck is still giving him trouble when he's in the batter's box. He's missing a third straight start Tuesday and his condition will have to improve soon if he wants to avoid the IL. If Smith requires a stay on the shelf, Dalton Rushing would be in line for regular starts at catcher for the Dodgers.
June 9, 2026
Remains out of lineup
Smith (neck) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's game in Pittsburgh.
Analysis
Smith missed the final two games of the weekend series versus the Angels with neck stiffness, and he remains out of the lineup even after Monday's team off day. Dalton Rushing is catching and batting eighth for the Dodgers against the Pirates.
June 7, 2026
Absent from Sunday's lineup
Smith (neck) is not in the Dodgers' starting lineup against the Angels on Sunday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.
Analysis
Smith was scratched from Saturday's lineup due to a neck issue, which will also keep him out of the lineup for Sunday's series finale, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Dalton Rushing will start behind home plate and bat sixth. The Dodgers have an off day Monday, so Smith could be back in action for Tuesday's series opener against the Pirates.
June 6, 2026
Scratched Saturday
Smith was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's game against the Angels.
Analysis
The Dodgers haven't announced why Smith was taken out of the starting nine, but more details should come in the near future. In the meantime, Dalton Rushing will fill in as the Dodgers' catcher and bat eighth.