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Will Smith could be nearing a rehab assignment after being sidelined for more than two months with an inflamed disc in his neck, per staff at DodgerBlue.com. Smith took batting practice on the field last Friday for the first time since landing on the injured list and is expected to face live pitching soon — a key step before any rehab games can begin.

Smith has been one of the best catching options in the National League for several years now. He’s developed into a legitimate middle-of-the-order bat at a premium position, combining above-average power with a disciplined approach at the plate. Losing him in June was a significant blow. Neck injuries — particularly inflamed discs — are tricky. They can linger, they can affect your swing mechanics, and they can sap power even after you’re cleared to play. The fact that he’s progressed to on-field BP and is moving toward live pitching is genuinely encouraging. But the timeline still has multiple steps before we see him in a big league lineup again.

In Smith’s absence, the Dodgers have leaned on Hunter Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt behind the plate, with Dalton Rushing also seeing time at catcher earlier in the season. Feduccia and Rortvedt have been serviceable — you can survive with them for stretches — but neither one replaces what Smith brings offensively. Smith’s bat in the lineup changes the complexion of the bottom third of the order and gives opposing pitchers another left-handed threat to deal with alongside Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani.

I want to be clear about what “could begin a rehab assignment soon” actually means in practical terms. Smith still needs to face live pitching, feel good doing it, and then get assigned to a minor league affiliate for what would likely be several games before any activation is on the table. We’re probably looking at a return sometime in early September if everything goes smoothly — and with neck injuries, “smoothly” is never guaranteed. The Dodgers will be cautious here, as they should be. Rushing a catcher back from a neck issue would be reckless, especially when you need him healthy for October.

That said, the trajectory is clearly positive. Getting Smith back for the final month of the regular season and into the postseason would be a massive boost for this roster. He’s the kind of player who elevates the entire lineup just by being in it. We’re not there yet, but the finish line is coming into view.

Source(s): Staff (DodgerBlue.com) | First reported: August 18, 2026 6:23 PM UTC

God Bless and Go Dodgers