After the Dodgers’ 6-5 walk-off win over the Baltimore Orioles at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, Dave Roberts delivered a tough update on Will Smith’s lingering neck issue—saying the catcher’s return won’t be immediate and that he’ll likely need an injection
The celebration was still echoing at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Friday night—then Dave Roberts brought everyone back to reality.
After Los Angeles pulled off a dramatic 6-5 walk-off win over the Baltimore Orioles, improving to 49-27, Roberts addressed Will Smith’s status and made it clear the catcher’s recovery from a lingering neck issue is not headed toward an immediate return.
Smith remains sidelined, and Roberts said the process will take longer than the Dodgers hoped. The manager explained that Smith recently had a scan, with results that were “sort of fine,” but that the club is still moving cautiously because Smith doesn’t feel fully ready.
“It’s going to take more time. Had a scan recently, and the results were sort of fine. Nothing really bad, but I think he’s going to get some type of shot to kind of minimize the sensation. He feels OK, not great.”
— Dave Roberts, via Dodger Blue on X (formerly Twitter), June 19, 2026
Roberts’ wording carried a double message: the scan didn’t point to a major structural problem. yet the discomfort is stubborn enough that an injection is part of the next step. Even with results that weren’t alarming. Smith is still staying out because his recovery isn’t at the point where Los Angeles feels comfortable rushing him back.
For the Dodgers, this isn’t just a lineup change—it’s a role shift behind the plate. Smith helps guide an elite pitching staff, controls game flow, and contributes middle-order production when he’s healthy. With him still out. the burden falls more heavily on Dalton Rushing and the other depth options working in that spot.
Rushing did his part on Friday, delivering a clutch tying single as the Dodgers pushed for the walk-off. The win showed why the organization trusts its younger options. Still. the situation also puts added pressure on depth catchers. because the team is now balancing continued success with the reality that Smith’s return is delayed.
As Los Angeles moves forward after another late twist against Baltimore, the message from the dugout is straightforward: patience. Smith feels OK. not great. and the Dodgers’ next actions point toward care over speed—especially when an injection is still being planned to address what remains lingering in his neck.
Los Angeles Dodgers Will Smith Dave Roberts neck injury Dalton Rushing Baltimore Orioles walk-off win MLB update