Dodgers Share Will Smith Injury Update Following Second Straight Missed Game

Here's the latest on the All-Star catcher.

Apr 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith hits a single against the New York Mets in the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star catcher Will Smith was out of the lineup for a second consecutive game on Sunday in the team's series finale against the Chicago Cubs.

Smith is dealing with some back tightness, which manager Dave Roberts described on Saturday as "nothing of concern."

Roberts said Saturday that Smith was expected to be back in the lineup on Sunday; however, that clearly isn't the case.

A second consecutive game on the bench led to some additional questions regarding Smith's injury. However, Roberts said Sunday it still wasn't much of a concern, and that the catcher could have played if needed.

“He could play if needed to, but we just felt it was smart to just give him an extra day," Roberts said.

Roberts described Smith as "day to day" and said the team isn't considering an injured list stint right now. Dalton Rushing is getting his second straight start behind the plate. His emergence makes the Dodgers' decision to give Smith an extra day even easier.

Dave Roberts said Will Smith could’ve played today, if needed, but they don’t want to push him

Described him as “day to day” and said the injured list isn’t a consideration right now https://t.co/G8kcSKWdaN

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) April 26, 2026

Dalton Rushing Having Breakout Season for Dodgers

Rushing, the team's No. 2 overall prospect in 2025, is breaking out in his second season at the big league level.

Last year, Rushing made his MLB debut, but struggled with inconsistent playing time. Overall, across 53 games, he hit .204 with four home runs, 24 runs batted in, 58 strikeouts to 10 walks and an OPS of .582.

This year, Rushing broke camp with the team as Smith's backup, and has looked like the former top prospect who was known for his bat.

Across 11 games, Rushing is slashing .400/.475/1.057 with seven home runs, 15 RBIs, 10 strikeouts to three walks and an OPS of 1.532.

“Last year, mentally, I was in a tough spot playing the role that I was, and just kind of trying to figure out how you play that role,” Rushing said earlier this year. “And this year, I have a little better understanding.

“You’re not going to show up and get two hits every game, whether you’re playing every day or you’re playing every three days. And that was something – maybe it was just a pill I had to swallow a little bit.”

Rushing's mindset shift has clearly led to results early this year. He's expected to continue to play once a series assuming Smith doesn't need to go on the injured list.

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