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Dodgers activate Will Smith as Eric Lauer struggles against Cardinals

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 12:05 PM

Last updated Sep 2, 2026

Dodgers activate Will Smith as Eric Lauer struggles against Cardinals

Summary

The Los Angeles Dodgers returned Will Smith to the starting lineup for the opener of a nine-game homestand on Tuesday. Smith contributed a double and two RBI in a 13-8 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Manager Dave Roberts described the catcher as a crucial component for the team as they enter the final stretch of the season. Left-hander Eric Lauer endured his most difficult home start of the year, allowing seven runs across three innings. While the Dodgers manage Shohei Ohtani's transition back to the mound, the team remains undecided on his next pitching date. Executive Andrew Friedman cited the complexity of balancing a pitching build-up with Ohtani's daily responsibilities as a designated hitter.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Will Smith went 1-5 with two RBI in his first game back.
•The Los Angeles Dodgers lost to the St. Louis Cardinals 13-8.
•Eric Lauer surrendered seven runs in three innings of work.
•The team has yet to determine when Shohei Ohtani will return to pitch.
•Dave Roberts cited Smith's experience and pitching staff management as key assets.

Latest Updates

12:05 PMYahoo Sports — Dodgers notes: Will Smith, Shohei Ohtani, Eric Lauer

What they're saying

"
For the first time in nearly three whole months, Will Smith was back in the starting lineup for the start of the Dodgers’ nine-game homestand on Tuesday. Smith finished the game going 1-5 with a double and two RBI on Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals, but his impact could only bring so much to […]
— Yahoo Sports

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