Dodgers' Catcher Recovery Eases Trade Deadline Pressure
All‑Star catcher Will Smith, sidelined since early June with a neck injury, has begun a structured throwing and hitting program, marking a significant step toward his return to the lineup.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been monitoring Smith's progress closely, evaluating whether to pursue another catcher before the trade deadline. His pain‑free status and incremental workouts have reduced the urgency of that need.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the team's confidence in Smith's eventual comeback, while also highlighting the advancement of pitchers Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow in their rehab assignments.
Snell is slated to throw four innings in a minor‑league rehab start, and Glasnow will soon face hitters in live batting practice, adding depth to the rotation as the club looks to stay competitive.
Even with Smith's recovery, the Dodgers still have a thin catching corps, relying on rookie Eliezer Alfonzo as the primary backup to Dalton Rushing. Last year, the club added Ben Rortvedt at the deadline, who contributed to playoff games while Smith healed from a broken hand.
Rortvedt, now with the New York Mets' triple‑A affiliate, could again become a trade target if the Dodgers decide to bolster depth, though the organization remains hopeful that Smith's return will suffice.
The club's focus now shifts to integrating Smith back into the lineup while managing his workload, ensuring the team remains strong both offensively and defensively as the season progresses.