Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith will begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment with the Dodgers’ Triple-A Oklahoma City affiliate on Tuesday, Aug. 25, batting second and catching for the Comets’ game against the El Paso Chihuahuas. The Dodgers hope it's the final step for the three-time All-Star, who has not played since June 5 because of an inflamed disk in his neck. If Smith's rehab assignment lasts 20 days, the maximum allowed by MLB, he will be activated by the Dodgers Sept. 13.
Smith, 31, was slashing .249/.338/.382 (101 OPS+) prior to the injury. It's possible if not likely Smith's injury was impeding him at the plate even before he was shut down. In 2025, Smith had a career-best year at the plate, slashing .296/.404/.497 and accruing 4.4 bWAR despite being limited to 110 games because of a hand fracture he suffered in September.
More news: Former Dodgers World Series Champion Retires at 33 The Dodgers have missed Smith’s glove more than his bat. Their pitchers have a 3.02 ERA when throwing to Smith, and a 3.67 when throwing to all catchers combined. Among the others, Hunter Feduccia (3.17 catchers’ ERA, 95 OPS+ since he arrived in an Aug. 3 trade) looks like the safest bet to back up Smith when he returns.
More news: Prospect Traded at Deadline to Make MLB Debut After Impressive Triple-A Performance The turn of events is eerily similar to a year ago, when Smith's late-season hand injury forced them to turn the catching duties over to Ben Rortvedt and rookie Dalton Rushing at a critical juncture in the season. Ultimately, Smith returned just in time for the postseason — and caught every inning of the Dodgers' seven-game World Series victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, setting a record in the process. More news: Dodgers Ready for Shohei Ohtani’s Return, Move 7-1 Starter to Bullpen This year, the Dodgers have cycled through veterans Chuckie Robinson, Ben Rortvedt and Feduccia, as well as rookie Eliezer Alfonzo, in Smith’s absence.
Rushing assumed most of the catching duties until he tore an elbow ligament, possibly ending his season. If the Dodgers make it back to the World Series and win their coveted third consecutive championship, the short-term pain will have been worth the long-term reward. For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.
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