Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith was seen taking live batting practice on Friday, Aug. 21.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters that the team is targeting Smith to be activated from the injured list during the first week of September.
Smith was dealing with an inflamed disc in his neck that’s kept him out of action since June 5.
“Today was a good day for Will taking at-bats,” Roberts said. “He’ll catch a couple bullpens today.”
Smith is not expected to join the team on the road for a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers.
“He’s going to play in the postseason,” Roberts said. “I think it’s helpful knowing that there’s no other alternative. He is going to prepare his mind and his body to get ready to go.”
The Dodgers have been playing without their two top catchers due to injuries.
Catcher Dalton Rushing was recently diagnosed with a partial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear in his right elbow. While there is hope he can avoid surgery, he is unlikely to catch for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Rushing could still return as a left-handed batting option off the bench for the team at the end of the season.
Hunter Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt both shared time in the Dodgers’ starting lineup recently. Feduccia is expected to start for the Dodgers, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound, against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Smith injury update: Dodgers catcher working his way back
