The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without Will Smith since early June, and with Dalton Rushing also hurt, the team needs him back.
Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia have been the catchers as of late, but Smith is making progress toward a return. Rushing, reportedly, will not be able to catch for the rest of the season, but could serve as a hitter. The Dodgers don't really have a designated hitter spot to give him, however.
"Dave Roberts said Will Smith bounced back well today after taking BP and catching Vesia’s bullpen yesterday," wrote Dodgers insider David Vassegh on Saturday. "Roberts maintained Smith’s return will be in September."
The Dodgers are scuffling as of late. Smith's return could give the offense a much-needed boost. He is a three-time All-Star and has helped the team win three World Series. He was hitting .249 before his injury, but was starting to heat up at the plate. The .720 OPS was low by his standards, but right now the Dodgers would welcome that.
Smith's absence was felt for sure, but Rushing's success mitigated the need to rush Smith back. However, now that the team is relying on two catchers without too much big-league success, they need Smith to avoid any setbacks.
He will need to clear some more hurdles before going on a rehab assignment, but if he returns in September as Roberts expects, he will be able to get some regular-season at-bats before going into October.