Will Smith Out of Dodgers Lineup Due to Stiff Neck

Will Smith was unable to take the field on Saturday, sidelined by a stiff neck. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains optimistic about Smith’s return, anticipating he will be ready to play in Sunday’s final game of the three-game series against the Angels. “It came out of nowhere,” Roberts remarked. “Could have probably pushed him to play, but he was going to play one of the next two regardless.”

Smith, who has battled lower back issues earlier in the season, participated in only one of the Dodgers’ recent games in Milwaukee. Despite these setbacks, Roberts suggested that Smith is not exhibiting more fatigue than in previous seasons. The catcher is currently hitting .249 and has earned three All-Star selections during his career.

In Smith's absence, Dalton Rushing stepped in as his replacement on Saturday. Roberts noted that Rushing is significantly more prepared for unexpected starts compared to last year. “It’s not even close,” he stated, adding that Rushing regularly attends pitchers' meetings and shares a strong rapport with Smith. “When he’s catching, I feel very good that he’s in lockstep with the starting pitcher.”

In other injury news for the team, third baseman Max Muncy made his return to the lineup after recovering from a recent collision at first base with Ildelmo Vargas. Additionally, Tyler Glasnow has been moved to the 60-day injured list to make room on the 40-man roster for Nick Frasso, a right-hander from Triple-A. Glasnow was initially placed on the 15-day injured list on May 8 due to lower back spasms and is currently not throwing.