The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without Will Smith for two months due to an inflamed disc in his neck, but he is increasing his level of activity again after being cleared to resume baseball activities.
“Overall progression, good,” manager Dave Roberts said of Smith. “Certainly, having the time that we still do have, we feel really good about it. And I think for me, the main thing is that he’s pain-free. And so, if he keeps being pain-free, he’s in the weight room, so he’s building some strength. And now he’s kind of being more active, so all signs are good.”
The Dodgers still aren’t certain of a potential return date, but Roberts estimated it will be at least another three or four weeks before Smith rejoins his teammates.
“I don’t. For me, it’s day-to-day,” Roberts said. “I know Will is anxious to get back out there, but there still has to be a progression and games played. So I mean, I just don’t see before three or four weeks.”
Smith resumed his hitting progression over the weekend and also has been lifting and throwing. The 31-year-old will also need to advance to taking batting practice and then an eventual rehab assignment before potentially returning to the Dodgers.
Roberts, nevertheless, is “very confident” that Smith will be back before the end of the season.
From a technical standpoint, the earliest Smith can be activated is Aug. 7. However, that date has long been out of the question, which made his going on the 60-day injured list last week a relative non-factor.
A best-case scenario could be Smith returning at the end of August or early September, but the Dodgers won’t rush him back and have full confidence in Dalton Rushing as their starting catcher until the three-time All-Star is completely healthy.
Because the Dodgers’ 40-man roster is full, they will need to make a move when Smith is ready to be activated.
Will Dodgers acquire catcher at trade deadline?
Even with the recent positive update on Smith, the Dodgers could still look to add a catcher ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Several notable backstops are believed to be available, including Colorado Rockies All-Star Hunter Goodman, the Baltimore Orioles’ Adley Rutschman and Liam Hicks of the Miami Marlins.
L.A. can’t be discounted from potentially making a splash, even if they are confident Smith will return before the end of the year. At the very least, the Dodgers figure to acquire a backup catcher to compete with Eliezer Alfonzo and Chuckie Robinson.
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