Dodgers get reinforcements; Shohei Ohtani's status still uncertain
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers entered September with a crowded roster, a few familiar faces returning and plenty of questions to sort through with the regular season winding down.
August 30, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; The Los Angeles Dodgers activated catcher Will Smith, Dalton Rushing and left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski from the injured list on Tuesday while adding infielder Alex Freeland to the active roster. To make room for these new additions, outfielder Alek Thomas and catcher Ben Rortvedt were optioned and designated for assignment, respectively.
However, with the regular season winding down and less than a month remaining, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledges that the reinforcements come with limitations. Smith, who had been sidelined since June 6 with a neck injury, will be eased back into the lineup by starting every other day during the current series. Wrobleski, on the other hand, will work out of the bullpen after returning from his stint on the injured list.
Freeland's return to the roster is partly due to his familiarity with the team and the possibility that his versatility could be crucial in the final weeks of the season. The Dodgers also see Tommy Edman taking over in center field, with the manager trusting Hernández to "right the ship" and work through his struggles at the plate.
As for the biggest question surrounding the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani's status remains uncertain, with no new update from the team as of Tuesday.
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