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MLB: Dodgers' $440 million star catcher Will Smith's return delayed; manager hopes he's wrong about young star

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Los Angeles Dodgers star catcher Will Smith is nearing a return from a neck injury that has sidelined him since June.
  • Smith has resumed batting practice and bullpen catching, with a potential return in the first week of September.
  • Young catcher Dalton Rushing is also recovering from a right elbow issue, but his return to catching this season is unlikely.

Los Angeles Dodgers star catcher Will Smith is on the verge of returning to the lineup after being sidelined by a neck injury since early June. The 31-year-old, who signed a lucrative 10-year, $140 million contract extension this year, has been actively participating in batting practice and bullpen catching sessions.

If everything goes well, I hope he can return in the first week of September.

— Dave RobertsProviding a timeline for Will Smith's potential return from injury.

Manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism about Smith's recovery, stating, "If everything goes well, I hope he can return in the first week of September." Given that Smith has been out for over two months, Roberts indicated that the team plans to ease him back into action, emphasizing that he won't play every day initially. The manager also noted that the Dodgers have ample time to manage Smith's workload, especially with the team's schedule potentially having fewer daily games once the postseason begins.

In other catching news, young catcher Dalton Rushing, who was placed on the injured list in early August with right elbow inflammation, is also making progress. Roberts reported that Rushing is recovering well and has been engaged in batting practice. However, the manager tempered expectations regarding Rushing's return to catching duties this season, stating that the probability is currently low.

I don't want to talk too far ahead, but entering the postseason, according to the schedule, there won't be games every day. So we have enough time.

— Dave RobertsDiscussing the team's strategy for managing Will Smith's workload upon his return.

"I don't want to talk too far ahead, but entering the postseason, according to the schedule, there won't be games every day. So we have enough time," Roberts added regarding Smith's integration. He also commented on Rushing's situation: "Hopefully, my judgment is wrong, he himself wants to improve his condition well and be ready to return to the field."

Hopefully, my judgment is wrong, he himself wants to improve his condition well and be ready to return to the field.

— Dave RobertsExpressing cautious optimism about Dalton Rushing's potential return as a catcher.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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