The Los Angeles Dodgers are entering the final stretch of the regular season with less certainty than expected. Despite another offseason full of star additions, the reigning champions are likely bound for a Wild Card series whether they clinch the NL West or fall behind the San Diego Padres. For a team built with championship expectations, it’s hardly the position they envisioned.
Now, on top of questions about the bullpen, the Dodgers face a difficult decision at catcher after another injury setback to their All-Star backstop.
Will Smith’s Injury Timeline Extends
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Will Smith was placed on the injured list on Sept. 13 (retroactive to Sept. 10) after suffering a bone bruise in his right hand from a foul tip against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Initially, there was hope that the catcher would be activated as soon as he was eligible. That plan has been pushed back.
“Will Smith will not be ready to be activated when he’s eligible on Saturday,” The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya reported from Dave Roberts’ comments. “He will likely see some live pitching next week while the Dodgers are in Arizona.”
Roberts admitted some regret about not shelving Smith earlier, and the delay means the 30-year-old may not return until the final week of the regular season — if at all before October.
“There might be some one-handed swings. I don’t know if he’s going to be using his top hand,” Roberts said. “As far as the throwing, I’m not sure about that. It’s kind of a day-to-day thing.”
An All-Star Season in Jeopardy
Smith’s absence is particularly painful given how strong his 2025 campaign has been. He’s hitting .296 with a .404 on-base percentage, .901 OPS, 17 home runs, and 61 RBIs across 110 appearances. The three-time All-Star has also taken steps forward defensively, making his extended absence all the more damaging.
The Dodgers rewarded Smith with a 10-year, $140 million contract, and he remains one of the most impactful catchers in baseball. Even if he returns, Roberts admitted the hand issue is something Smith will have to manage until the offseason.
Backup Catcher Debate: Rortvedt vs. Rushing
While Smith recovers, Roberts has leaned heavily on Ben Rortvedt. The trade-deadline addition has drawn praise from pitchers for his game-calling and has contributed at the plate with a .286 batting average and .732 OPS in 11 games for Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, rookie Dalton Rushing, once one of the organization’s most hyped prospects, has struggled in limited playing time. Through 46 games, he’s hitting just .189 with a .547 OPS. His early season shin injury also slowed his progress, making his case for October shakier than expected.
Roberts’ recent lineups tell the story: Rortvedt has now started three straight games, even with Rushing available. “Each day hopefully will be better,” Roberts said of Smith’s recovery, but in the meantime, his decision-making suggests he trusts Rortvedt more with the pitching staff.
The October Roster Crunch
With postseason roster space at a premium, the Dodgers will likely have to choose between Rortvedt and Rushing as Smith’s backup — assuming Smith is healthy enough to play. The choice comes down to upside versus dependability.
Rushing offers long-term potential and was once seen as the heir apparent at the position. But October is no place for development. Rortvedt, with his defensive reliability and steady bat, may be the safer option if Smith’s hand continues to limit him.
The Dodgers have already endured uneven bullpen performances and a bumpy September. Now, the catching situation adds another layer of uncertainty. For a team with championship aspirations, Roberts and the front office face a decision that could shape how deep this roster goes in October.