Key facts
- Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith has been placed on the 10-day injured list.
- The reason for his placement is neck inflammation.
- The move is retroactive to Monday, with an expected return next Thursday.
- Dalton Rushing will assume the majority of catching duties.
- Chuckie Robinson has been called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to provide backup.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed catcher Will Smith on the 10-day injured list due to neck inflammation, a move that was made retroactive to Monday. Smith, a three-time All-Star, has not played since Friday and underwent scans over the weekend that did not raise significant concern. Manager Dave Roberts indicated the discomfort "came out of nowhere" and that Smith has not shown improvement.
Dalton Rushing is expected to handle the majority of the catching duties during Smith's absence. The Dodgers also selected the contract of Chuckie Robinson from Triple-A Oklahoma City to serve as the backup catcher, clearing a roster spot by releasing infielder Tyler Fitzgerald. Robinson, 31, has had brief MLB stints with the Reds and White Sox and a .131/.169/.192 career slash line at the major league level, but has started the season well in Triple-A.
Smith is hitting .249 with six home runs and 23 RBIs, posting a .720 OPS, which would be a career low. However, his underlying batted-ball data and expected metrics suggest he has been unlucky, with Roberts noting signs of a potential turnaround. Rushing, 25, has had a strong start to his season with a .917 OPS.