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The Dodgers have signed a former Blue Jays catcher to add depth behind the plate while Will Smith remains on the injured list with a neck injury, per a report from Sports Illustrated. The signing comes as the organization looks to shore up a position that’s been stretched thin since Smith went down earlier this week after missing four consecutive games with neck stiffness.

Smith has been one of the most productive catchers in baseball since establishing himself as the Dodgers’ everyday backstop. A first-round pick out of Louisville in 2016, he’s developed into a cornerstone of the lineup — a switch-hitter with legitimate power who consistently posts above-average offensive numbers for the position. His absence leaves a real hole in the middle of the order, not just behind the plate. The Dodgers already called up James Robinson from Triple-A to handle the bulk of the catching duties, but carrying only one experienced catcher on a major league roster is asking for trouble, especially during a stretch where the team’s health has been tested across the board.

Robinson has been solid in his limited time in the organization’s minor league system, but he’s not a proven big league regular. Having another experienced arm behind the plate gives Dave Roberts more flexibility in how he manages the workload — particularly important given the wear and tear catchers absorb over a long season. This signing provides insurance without forcing the Dodgers to make a more dramatic roster move.

The timing matters here. We’re dealing with injuries to Shohei Ohtani (left knee) and Jordan Wrobleski (hamstring) on top of Smith’s IL stint. The pitching staff needs stability behind the plate, and the front office clearly isn’t interested in waiting around to see if one injury cascades into a bigger problem. That’s smart roster management — proactive rather than reactive.

I like this move for what it is: a practical, low-risk addition that addresses an obvious need. The Dodgers aren’t panicking, but they’re also not pretending everything is fine. Adding catching depth now means Roberts doesn’t have to burn a position player in an emergency scenario, and it gives the coaching staff options for how to handle the next couple of weeks until Smith is ready to return. For a team navigating a rough June health-wise, this is exactly the kind of quiet, sensible transaction that keeps a roster functional. Nothing flashy, but it doesn’t need to be.

Source(s): Sports Illustrated | First reported: June 12, 2026 8:17 PM UTC

God Bless and Go Dodgers