A Pain‑Free Return
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith has been cleared to resume baseball activities, a development that manager Dave Roberts described as pain‑free and encouraging. The move comes after Smith spent much of June battling disc inflammation and neck stiffness that landed him on the 60‑day injured list on July 21.
Though a precise activation date has not been announced, Roberts indicated that a return in August is becoming increasingly realistic. Smith’s recent stint at the plate has been modest, posting a .249/.338/.382 line with six home runs and 23 RBI across 52 games, prompting the club to give playing time to 25‑year‑old Dalton Rushing in his absence.
The Dodgers’ injury list reads like a who’s who of recent acquisitions. Closing pitcher Edwin Diaz, who underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his throwing elbow, is slated to be activated on Wednesday, while utility man Kike Hernandez returned from a left oblique tear on Tuesday.
Veteran starter Blake Snell is scheduled to make his third rehab appearance on Wednesday, throwing approximately 60 pitches as he works his way back into the rotation. The flurry of moves was highlighted in a recent segment on AM 570, where reporter Fabian Ardaya broke down the developments alongside colleague Sonja Chen.
Roster Ripple Effects
Beyond the immediate health updates, the Dodgers have managed to maintain the best record in the National League despite the absences. The team’s depth was on display when they promoted Dalton Rushing from Triple‑A Oklahoma City, a move first reported by Katie Woo.
Veteran analyst Dave Vassegh also weighed in on the club’s resilience, noting that the organization’s ability to stay competitive underscores the strength of the front office’s player development pipeline.
Even as the Dodgers navigate these challenges, the club’s performance on the field remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike, with the latest injury updates providing a narrative of hope and perseverance.