Dodgers All-Star Nears Return, Begins Rehab Assignment
The Dodgers can begin counting down the days until their All-Star catcher is activated from his minor league rehab assignment.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is set to begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment with the team's Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, August 25. The 31-year-old, who has not played since June 5 due to an inflamed disk in his neck, is expected to bat second and catch for the Comets against the El Paso Chihuahuas.
If Smith completes the 20-day rehab assignment, which is the maximum allowed by MLB, he will be activated by the Dodgers on September 13. Prior to his injury, Smith was batting .249/.338/.382 (101 OPS+). His injury may have been affecting his performance even before he was sidelined. In 2025, Smith had a career-high season with a .296/.404/.497 batting average, and he contributed 4.4 bWAR despite sitting out 110 games due to a hand fracture he sustained in September.
The Dodgers have relied heavily on Smith's presence at the plate, as their pitchers have a lower ERA when throwing to him (3.02) compared to the team's average (3.67). Among the options for Smith's backup during his absence is Hunter Feduccia, who has a 3.17 ERA while catching for the Dodgers since his August 3 trade. If Smith returns in time for the postseason, he will join the Dodgers in their pursuit of a third consecutive World Series championship.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
