The Los Angeles Dodgers remain the best team in baseball. Entering Wednesday’s game against the Athletics at 56-30, they own the best record in the majors and have strengthened their case as World Series favorites through the first half of the season.
Led by Shohei Ohtani’s remarkable campaign, a deep pitching staff and a resilient lineup, Los Angeles has continued to win despite a lengthy injury list that has included Will Smith, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Edwin Díaz, Blake Treinen and Kiké Hernández.
Smith has missed the last 22 games with an inflamed disc in his neck after being scratched before the June 6 game against the Los Angeles Angels.
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Dodgers initially expected Smith to miss only one game, but the injury proved more serious. He was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to June 8, received a cortisone injection and has yet to resume baseball activities. As of Wednesday, Smith was not expected to accompany the team on its current road trip.
Per the Los Angeles Times’ Bill Shaikin, manager Dave Roberts now expects Smith to remain out until after the MLB All-Star break, which runs from July 13-16.
“Certainly longer than all of us expected,” Roberts said, per Katie Woo of The Athletic.
With Smith sidelined, Dalton Rushing has taken over as the club’s primary catcher. The rookie has held his own offensively, batting .245 with nine home runs, 25 RBIs and a .796 OPS. The greater concern has been his composure behind the plate.
Rushing has acknowledged an emotional outburst involving Ohtani that he later described as “embarrassing,” and he has also been involved in multiple on-field confrontations with opponents. The Dodgers have addressed the issue with him several times as they continue to trust his development. Veteran Chuckie Robinson has served as the backup catcher but has provided little offensive production in limited opportunities.
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The Dodgers have no reason to rush Smith back. Sitting 26 games above .500, they can afford to prioritize his long-term health. Smith, now in his eighth season with Los Angeles, is a three-time All-Star and one of baseball’s best all-around catchers.
Before the injury, he was batting .249 with six home runs, 23 RBIs and a .720 OPS. The Dodgers expect him to strengthen an already elite roster once he returns, but for now they appear content to let him recover fully before rejoining the lineup.
