Dodgers scratch Will Smith with stiff neck in late lineup change, expected back Sunday

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a late Saturday adjustment by scratching catcher Will Smith from the lineup with a stiff neck, according to an MLB release. Smith had been penciled to hit sixth and catch starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but the Dodgers altered their plans close to game time as they managed the issue.

The change mattered beyond the immediate batting-order slot. In a lineup, the catcher role ties directly into game flow, pitch calling, and defensive coordination, and a late swap typically changes how a pitching staff prepares for the matchup inning by inning. With Smith originally paired to work with Yamamoto, the Dodgers had to rework the catcher assignment and the late-order construction that comes with it.

For the Angels, the Dodgers’ lineup shift was a storyline to monitor from the start. Catcher-specific matchups can influence how pitchers attack hitters, especially in a series where tendencies develop across games. Even without knowing the specifics of Smith’s replacement, the timing of the announcement pointed to day-of health management rather than an extended absence.

While Smith was scratched for Saturday, the team’s release indicated he was expected to play Sunday. That distinction is significant because it suggests the Dodgers viewed the neck stiffness as something manageable on a short timetable, with an eye toward getting their regular catcher back before the weekend continues.

Yamamoto’s Saturday start also framed the context of the lineup disruption. When a club plans around a specific pitcher and pairs him with a particular catcher, the late change can ripple into scouting targets and in-game sequencing. The Dodgers still entered the game with their intended starting pitching plan, but the operational details behind the plate required a quick adjustment.

Looking ahead, the Dodgers will likely manage Smith’s status with caution even if he is listed as expected to play Sunday. A stiff neck can be sensitive to rest, movement, and workload, so the next 24 to 48 hours will be an important indicator of how the team is proceeding with his recovery and whether any precautionary limits are needed.

For fans and the Dodgers’ internal staff, the key question after Saturday’s lineup change is whether Smith returns to his usual role and whether the Dodgers can re-stabilize the rhythm of their catching tandem with Yamamoto and their broader pitching group as the series shifts to Sunday play.