Will Smith cleared to begin rehab assignment
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is set to begin a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, as reported by both NBC Sports and the New York Post. The move marks a significant step in his recovery from a neck issue that has kept him out of action since mid-June.
Smith, 31, has been on the injured list since June 11 with a neck problem that was initially described as neck inflammation but was later identified as an inflamed disk, according to the New York Post. He has not played in a game since June 5. The All-Star backstop was reportedly shut down completely leading up to the trade deadline before resuming baseball activities at the end of July.
Details of the rehab assignment indicate Smith is planned to bat second and catch five innings in his first game with Oklahoma City on Tuesday, the New York Post reported.
Team's catching situation
The Dodgers have been managing behind the plate in Smith's absence. Both outlets reported that the team is currently using Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia as their major league catching tandem, with Dalton Rushing on the injured list due to an elbow issue. The New York Post reported that Rushing sustained a minor tear in his UCL, which prompted the Dodgers to acquire Rortvedt and Feduccia in August to bolster their backstop depth.
Smith's return is eagerly awaited by the Dodgers, who could certainly use him in the lineup. He has posted a slash line of .249/.338/.382 with a .720 OPS in 52 games this season.
Timeline and expectations
NBC Sports noted that Smith has “finally progressed” to the point where he's ready for live game action, but it's unclear how many rehab games he'll need before rejoining the Dodgers. The outlet said it's possible he could be ready by the end of next week.
The New York Post emphasized that the club must be cautious and won't be rushed by the Dodgers, who are prioritizing Smith's being healthy in October. The report adds that the All-Star catcher is expected to have plenty of time to improve his season stats before the end of the regular season, as long as he encounters no setbacks during his rehab assignment with Oklahoma City.
Both outlets noted that Smith's eventual return will provide a boost to the Dodgers, who are working with a makeshift catching tandem alongside the injured Rushing. The team's patience, as reported, reflects its long-term goal of his availability in the postseason.