RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesLos Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith will hit on Friday at Dodger Stadium before the game, stepping into the cage after a long break.
The Dodgers shut down Smith after he failed to make progress in his recovery from a neck injury. Smith is battling an inflamed disc in his neck, which has kept him out for more than a month.
His injury was meant to be just a few days away from the lineup, but it was clearly more serious than expected.
Jun 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
He got a neck injection in June while continuing baseball activities, but things did not improve for Smith, leaving uncertainty about how long he will miss.
“To be honest with you right now, I think that he’s taking at least a week of really doing no activity to hopefully calm his neck down,” Roberts said.
“Early on, we’ve been trying to get him ready, moving around and doing some baseball stuff, but he hasn’t been able to get over the hump.”
The uncertainty has caused uneasiness around Smith, but seemingly, after being shut down and stopping baseball activities, his body has responded well to the rest, to the point where he is back on the field doing light work.
May 14, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) hits a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Will Smith is hitting again
Manager Dave Roberts said, according to Dodgers Nation , that Smith is lifting weights, throwing baseballs, and swinging the bat.
Additionally, Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez said that Smith will start hitting on Friday and he looks good walking around the clubhouse, per reporter Arash Markazi.
From where Smith was just a few weeks ago to now hitting the baseball again, the Dodgers are surely ecstatic that they may get their starting catcher back soon.
They have been linked to veteran catchers at the deadline to back up Dalton Rushing, but if Smith is on a good timetable, they may look past adding one.
Smith is a player that the Dodgers will absolutely need healthy to give themselves the best shot at a three-peat — no one single catcher can replace his experience with the staff and his uncanny ability to make clutch hits or defensive plays.
The post Will Smith Takes Notable Step Towards Dodgers Return appeared first on LA Sports Report .
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