Will Smith returns to live hitting as Dodgers near catcher comeback

The Dodgers moved another step closer to having catcher Will Smith back in their everyday lineup when he took live batting practice for the first time since being placed on the injured list. The session came as L.A. prepared for Friday night’s game against the Pirates, and it offered a practical checkpoint in his recovery beyond simulated work.

According to the Dodgers, Smith’s live BP featured matchups against 2025 draftee Sam Horn in a simulated setting. For a catcher, live batting practice is often treated as a bridge between off-field preparation and the specific timing, communication, and in-game positioning demands that come with standing behind the plate for regular at-bats.

Smith’s position matters to a staff that relies on the catcher not only to receive and block pitches, but also to manage sequencing and game flow with the pitching staff. When an established catcher is sidelined, teams often have to adjust responsibilities and chemistry, making any verified progress toward a return more than a simple roster note.

For the Dodgers, the timing of Smith’s progression is especially relevant in a season where day-to-day roster planning can carry playoff implications. A catcher’s return affects more than the lineup card. It can influence the rhythm of bullpen usage, the comfort level of pitchers with their targets, and the overall tempo of at-bats, particularly in games where late-inning matchups become decisive.

The report also frames the live BP as part of a step-by-step process. In other words, taking live swings does not automatically translate into being available immediately on the next scheduled day, and teams typically continue monitoring for readiness through practice intensity and subsequent bullpen or fielding needs.

Still, the fact that Smith reached live pitching at this point in the recovery suggests the Dodgers are working toward a practical return pathway. Smith’s status going forward will likely hinge on how he responds after the session, including any follow-up work and how he feels during the transition from hitting preparation to catching-specific duties.

Friday’s opponent, the Pirates, adds context to why the Dodgers would want as clear a picture as possible on Smith’s readiness. Facing a National League rival means each game can swing momentum, and having a known quantity behind the plate can be a stabilizing element for the pitching staff during high-leverage moments.

For Dodgers fans, the next item to watch is whether Smith progresses from live batting practice to full participation appropriate for his role. If he is ultimately cleared to return, his presence would restore one of the most experienced voices in the catcher position to L.A.’s day-to-day routine. Until then, the live BP milestone stands as the most concrete indicator yet that his return is within reach.