Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Tyler Glasnow is set to join the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation during their upcoming road trip and will Smith should be activated as well in the ensuing week.
Smith participated in live batting practice on Friday for the first time since his neck injury. Smith’s at-bats came against 2025 Dodgers draft pick Sam Horn, who previously was quarterback at the University of Missouri.
“Today was a good day for Will. Taking at-bats, he’ll catch a couple bullpens,” manager Dave Roberts said.
Next for Smith is going to be more instances of facing live pitching before beginning what should be a relatively short rehab assignment.
“Hopefully that first week of September, he’s active,” Roberts said.
Smith has not played in a game since June 5. He initially was projected to just miss one or two games upon getting scratched from the lineup because of neck stiffness. However, his injury was more serious than first believed and it wasn’t until late July that Smith was finally pain-free.
“I believe what he says, and he’s very in tune with his body,” answered Roberts when asked if he’s confident the neck injury is behind Smith. “But at the end of the day, there’s not much of the calendar left and he’s going to play in the postseason.
“I think it’s also helpful knowing there’s no other alternative. He’s going to prepare his mind and body to get ready to go.”
Will Smith’s buildup
While the 31-year-old is on the right track toward a return and shouldn’t need a lengthy rehab a, the Dodgers want to ensure Smith will be in position to catch a full game upon getting activated. With that, they are confident Smith will be fully prepared for the postseason.
“Obviously when he gets back it’s not going to be an everyday situation, but the buildup, there’s plenty of time for that,” Roberts noted. “And then also once you get to the postseason — I don’t like getting ahead — but the schedule, you’re not playing every day anyway.”
Smith’s workload was limited last October and he even was left off the Wild Card Series roster because of a hairline fracture in his left hand. It wasn’t until Game 3 of the National League Division Series that Smith played all nine innings.
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