The Los Angeles Dodgers are counting down the days toward having their roster closer to full strength, and there was notable progress toward that on Friday with Shohei Ohtani, Dalton Rushing and Will Smith each hitting a notable milestone in their respective recoveries.
Smith has been on the injured list since June 11 because of neck inflammation, and Rushing’s stint began Aug. 3 due to a slight tear in the UCL of his right elbow. Meanwhile, Ohtani has avoided the injured list but is relegated to only batting because left knee irritation has prevented him from pitching.
Dodgers injuries
Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani threw a bullpen session on Friday that consisted of 34 pitches and appeared to include more than just fastballs. It was his first time throwing off a mound since a bullpen at Citizens Bank Park on July 22, which was followed by left knee soreness and discomfort in his right bicep.
That prompted the Dodgers to pause Ohtani’s throwing progression, and he wasn’t seen playing catch on the field until last Saturday in Arizona. Ohtani then had successive days of playing catch from flat ground on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, leading into his bullpen session.
Shohei Ohtani is now throwing off the mound. First time he’s done so since a bullpen session in Philadelphia on July 22. pic.twitter.com/a8luBhllll
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) August 14, 2026
Next the Dodgers will wait to see how their two-way superstar responds to the mound work as they continue to exercise caution with his progression. Assuming he does not suffer a setback, Ohtani is expected to throw another bullpen session or two, then advance to facing batters.
They Dodgers remain confident that Ohtani will pitch again this season, even if in a limited capacity and needing to complete a pseudo rehab assignment and steadily build up like he did last year.
Dalton Rushing
The Dodgers aren’t certain if Rushing will be able to catch again this season but at minimum remain optimistic he could serve as a left-handed bat off the bench.
Rushing moved closer to making that reality by taking batting practice on the field. It was his first time doing so since he was put on the injured list.
“Dalton, very encouraged. Feels like he could go out there and take an at-bat right now, which is great,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Rushing’s day of work also included catching a bullpen session, though he did not throw the ball back to the pitcher. Rushing doesn’t believe he will need to undergo Tommy John surgery this season or before 2027.
Dalton Rushing and Will Smith are taking BP on the field for the first time since their respective injuries. pic.twitter.com/X0DWyUZUzl
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) August 14, 2026
Will Smith
Smith also took batting practice on the field Friday, in what represented a first for him as well. Smith now is pain-free in his neck and recently resumed baseball activities. During Friday’s broadcast it was shared that Smith experienced some soreness from wearing the catcher’s mask, but Roberts did not mention that in his postgame remarks.
Smith is expected to begin a rehab assignment shortly and could rejoin the Dodgers in the next two weeks or so.
The most probable scenario for Smith’s return may be waiting for active rosters to expand on Sept. 1.
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