Dodgers' Will Smith unlikely to return from injury on Friday
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 3:48 AM
Last updated Jun 20, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is not expected to be activated from the injured list by Friday due to ongoing neck discomfort. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that Smith is dealing with an 'inflamed disc' that has caused pain since early June. Although he participated in a full workout recently, the team prioritizes his recovery to avoid any setbacks. With Smith sidelined, backup catcher Dalton Rushing will continue to see significant playing time, and Chuckie Robinson remains on the major league roster.
- •Will Smith has a neck injury and is on the injured list.
- •Manager Dave Roberts said Smith is unlikely to return Friday.
- •Smith's neck issues began during the Diamondbacks series in June.
- •Dalton Rushing will take on more responsibilities at catcher.
- •Chuckie Robinson stays on the roster to assist defensively.
- 9:03 PMYahoo Sports — Will Smith Suffers Injury Setback as Dodgers Delay Return
- 4:44 AMESPN MLB — Dodgers delay Smith's return from neck injury
- 7:52 PMYahoo Sports — Dodgers Provide Discouraging Will Smith Injury Update
"Dodgers catcher Will Smith, who was due to return Friday, will not be activated this weekend and might not travel with the team on its road trip that begins Monday.
"Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is "unlikely" to return from the IL this Friday. Get the latest Dodgers Will Smith injury updates and recovery timeline.
"Dodgers catcher Will Smith's injury was downplayed when it originally happened, but his absence is getting longer and longer.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 20, 2026, 9:03 PMWill Smith Suffers Injury Setback as Dodgers Delay Return
Dodgers catcher Will Smith's injury was downplayed when it originally happened, but his absence is getting longer and longer.
- ESPN MLBJun 20, 2026, 4:44 AMDodgers delay Smith's return from neck injury
Dodgers catcher Will Smith, who was due to return Friday, will not be activated this weekend and might not travel with the team on its road trip that begins Monday.
- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 7:52 PMDodgers Provide Discouraging Will Smith Injury Update
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is "unlikely" to return from the IL this Friday. Get the latest Dodgers Will Smith injury updates and recovery timeline.
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