Overview
- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Thursday that Smith will not be activated before the All‑Star break and remains on the injured list.
- Smith was scratched from the lineup with neck stiffness on June 6 and was placed on the 10‑day injured list, backdated to June 8 and formally moved to the IL on June 11.
- Team and player reports say Smith has been diagnosed with an inflamed disc in his neck and that his rehab has stalled because he cannot yet perform baseball activities.
- The team gave Smith a cortisone injection during the homestand that has not produced the needed relief, so the Dodgers have kept his treatment conservative to avoid a setback.
- Dalton Rushing has taken primary catching duties with Chuckie Robinson recalled for depth, the Dodgers have gone 14‑6 with Smith on the IL, and the club says the issue is not believed to be season‑ending.