Dodgers likely to place catcher Will Smith on injured list as neck stiffness lingers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are weighing the next step for catcher Will Smith after manager Dave Roberts said Smith still has stiffness in his neck and has now missed a fourth consecutive game. Smith was out again Wednesday, continuing a brief but persistent absence that has shifted the Dodgers’ day-to-day planning behind the plate.

Roberts’ comments point to a decision that is likely imminent. According to the report, the Dodgers are expected to put Smith on the injured list Thursday, which would formalize what has already become a multi-game situation and ensure the team can keep its roster aligned with the demands of an everyday catching workload.

A neck issue in baseball does not just affect a player’s ability to take throws and catch pitches. The position requires repeated turning and bracing movements for squaring up to incoming velocity, absorbing impact at the plate, and staying stable through the pitch-calling cycle. When stiffness lingers, teams typically prioritize the ability to perform those tasks without aggravation and without letting a catcher fall behind on defensive reads.

Smith’s absence also changes how the Dodgers manage their defensive responsibilities. With the starting catcher out, Los Angeles must rely on the player(s) they have available to handle receiving, framing, and game-calling duties. Even when a backup is capable behind the plate, a different skill set can affect pitcher rhythm and the sequencing of pitch types, particularly early in a series when staff and catcher timing are still settling.

For the Dodgers, the timing matters because roster decisions like an injured list designation can cascade into other moves. Adding Smith to the IL would open a spot on the active roster, allowing Los Angeles to adjust not only its catching depth but also its bench mix for upcoming days. Without confirming the exact roster transaction yet, the most immediate impact is that the catcher workload will continue to be handled by someone else for at least the near term.

Smith’s situation is also a reminder of how quickly an otherwise routine role can become a roster constraint. Catchers endure strain from repeated impact and the constant need for quick reactions, and stiffness can linger even when a player is otherwise functional. Teams often look for improvement that supports full participation rather than attempting a fast return, especially when the underlying issue involves the spine and neck musculature.

What to watch next is straightforward: whether the Dodgers indeed place Smith on the injured list Thursday, and how the team structures the position over the next stretch of games. If Los Angeles confirms the move, the priority will shift to how quickly Smith can resume normal catching activity, and how the backup stabilizes the pitching staff while the transition continues.