Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith was scratched from Saturday night’s home lineup against the Los Angeles Angels after waking up with a stiff neck. The club expects him to return for Sunday’s series finale, with Dalton Rushing handling catcher duties in t
The morning news was small, but the lineup change was immediate. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made a surprise adjustment before Saturday’s home game against the Los Angeles Angels: three-time All-Star catcher Will Smith woke up with a stiff neck and will not play tonight.
The expectation inside the organization is that Smith will be good to go for Sunday’s series finale.
With Smith out, Dalton Rushing will handle catcher duties. Rushing is batting .266 with seven home runs, 18 RBIs and an .864 OPS in 105 plate appearances.
Smith’s absence lands at an inconvenient time. Over the first couple months of the 31-year-old’s 2026 season. his production has dipped and his numbers read like a player searching for rhythm: he is hitting .249 with a .338 on-base percentage. .382 slugging percentage and a .720 OPS. His power is also down, with six home runs in 201 plate appearances.
For a Dodgers team that has leaned on stability behind the plate during its run. this is more than a routine day off. Smith has been one of the most steady contributors over the last few years and remains valuable as Los Angeles pushes for a three-peat—especially with the way he fits into the club’s recent World Series runs. The 2016 first-round draft pick has been a consistent part of the foundation through the Dodgers’ last three World Series runs.
Still, the timing of his stiff-neck issue creates a practical opening for Roberts and the staff. Rushing’s breakout gives the Dodgers a functioning plan for one game, and a highly productive backup catcher can let Smith ease back in without forcing the pace of his return.
The night matters, too. The Boys in Blue enter Saturday’s matchup at 41-23 and are aiming to win their fourth game in five days.
First pitch for Angels-Dodgers is scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET in Chavez Ravine, with Smith watching closely from the dugout as the team plays on without him for one more night.
Will Smith Dodgers Angels Dalton Rushing MLB lineup stiff neck Chavez Ravine Dave Roberts