The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without Will Smith since June 6 because of lingering neck trouble.
Manager Dave Roberts initially described it as stiffness, though Smith noted it’s more inflammation. Nevertheless, the expectation at the time of Smith going on the injured list was he would return once eligible.
That’s arriving on Friday, but Smith won’t yet be back in the Dodgers lineup.
“Will’s doing better each day,” Roberts said. “Came in this morning in a good spot after [Tuesday’s] full work. I don’t want to put a day on when he’s going to play, but each day is getting better.”
The challenge with this particular injury is that it mainly affects Smith while hitting.
“I guess we’re just trying to get him to a place where we don’t regress once he comes back. We’re trying to make sure he’s out of the woods,” Roberts explained.
Although the injury isn’t serious, it has been stubbornly persistent. Smith played through the neck trouble prior to being placed on the IL, having first experienced some discomfort during a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks that began June 1.
He had played through it for “a couple days” against the Diamondbacks and again in the series opener of the Freeway Series on June 5.
The Dodgers believe Smith could play if necessary, but do not see the need in risking the issue becoming bigger than it currently is. They ultimately chose to place him on the IL on June 11, retroactive to June 8, for that reason.
Smith’s injury has nevertheless created an extended opportunity for Datlon Rushing, who already had shown growth in his second season with the team. Rushing in particular has improved with handling the pitching staff and in game-calling duties behind the plate.
Chuckie Robinson filling in for Will Smith
The Dodgers added Chuckie Robinson to their 40-man roster and called him up to be their backup catcher on June 11. Tyler Fitzgerlad was released to open the 40-man spot.
Robinson has made two appearances serving as the backup catcher for Rushing. The right-hander has not collected a hit in five at-bats thus far.
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