Will Smith last was in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on April 12, for their final game of a road trip. However, he began to experience headaches the following day — a break in the Dodgers’ schedule — and ultimately was put on the seven-day concussion injured list.
Prior to Smith going on the IL, the Dodgers hoped he would return from what manager Dave Roberts described as an “illness” for the finale of the Chicago Cubs series. Once that was ruled out because of the roster move, Smith and the Dodgers expected him back during their road trip.
Playing at Wrigley Field was eventually ruled out, and shortly after so too was getting activated during the Pittsburgh Pirates series.
Smith has nevertheless continued to progress well in his recovery and Roberts said he remains on track to be in the Dodgers lineup Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals, via SportsNet LA
“[Wednesday] was good in totality. Today, he feels good. I think he could get in there today, but there’s boxes we want to make sure we check and make sure he responds the right way. So I think right now, the plan of him taking those live at-bats tomorrow, to then be in the lineup on Saturday, still holds.”
Smith steadily increased his level of activity during the series at PNC Park, and on Wednesday night was in the bullpen to catch relief pitchers as they warmed up before entering the game.
Entering play Thursday, the Dodgers were 6-6 without Smith in the lineup.
Will Smith was mindful of cautious approach
Although Smith has been on the Il longer than he first anticipated, not rushing a return was front of mind for the 28-year-old.
“That’s my No. 1 priority, is to get back to 100%. I don’t want to rush this,” Smith said earlier this month. “There’s plenty of things you can kind of play through and deal with, but head stuff and concussion stuff is not one anyone should mess with. I especially don’t want to mess with it.”
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