It’s one step forward and two steps back for the Dodgers. Max Muncy is back in the lineup tonight after getting hit in the hand. But, they are putting catcher Will Smith on the Injured List with a swollen hand, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. To replace Smith on the 40-man roster, Los Angeles has called up Chuck Robinson from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Dodgers All-Star Catcher Goes on IL
Will Smith is going on the IL, Dave Roberts said. “There just wasn’t improvement.” Plan is to try to backdate his stint and then activate when eligible.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) September 13, 2025
Not A Speedy Improvement
Will Smith took a foul tip off the right hand last week in Pittsburgh. Thankfully, both X-rays and CT scans were negative and Smith was officially classified as day-to-day. However. Manager Dave Roberts said that the hand isn’t improving the way they would like and, the swelling still persists. Hopefully, resting the All-Star catcher for the full week will allow him to return and be effective for the rest of the season.
The Backup Backstop
Backup catcher Dalton Rushing also took a foul tip, but this time it was off his shin. Despite both X-rays and the CT Scan being negative, the Dodgers put Rushing on the I.L. The rookie has already started a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He is eligible to activated as early as this coming Wednesday.
An Important Offensive Piece
This move comes at a time when the Dodgers are nursing a two and a half game lead over their rival San Diego Padres. Smith has been near the top of the National League in batting average all year, despite having a mediocre second-half of the season. For most of 2025, Smith has been clutch when at the plate with runners in scoring position, hitting close to .380 at one point.
The Dodgers are hoping with the added rest, Smith can play a critical role at the close of the season and into October. Dave Roberts did say Smith’s hand “gets a little better every day.” The question is, can the Dodger’s hold on to their division lead without their starting catcher? We are about to find out.
Main Photo Credits: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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