Dave Roberts Reveals Will Smith Injury Behind Cubs Absence
Dodgers catcher Will Smith is not starting on Saturday night due to an issue with his back, according to manager Dave Roberts.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith i s not starting on Saturday night due to an issue with his back, according to manager Dave Roberts. Dalton Rushing, the breakout catcher for the Dodgers and former No. 1 prospect, is behind the dish for Roki Sasaki on Saturday, a pairing that the Dodgers have seemingly tried to keep together.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation) However, the reasoning behind the Rushing-Sasaki duo on Saturday is that Will Smith is battling back tightness, which is forcing him to miss Saturday’s game after playing on Friday. Roberts said that the injury was “nothing of concern,” and Smith’s back was “a little tight,” believing it was nothing major that could keep him out of action for an extended period of time. Apr 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) looks on after tagging Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (29) out at home plate during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images In fact, Roberts said that Smith is expected back in the order for the series finale against the Cubs on Sunday. However, with Dalton Rushing hitting the ball so well and earning his sripes as a key member of the team in the early part of the season, the Dodgers could easily give Smith some time off if he does need it as the young catcher takes on the starting duties. Dalton Rushing’s 2026 breakout season Rushing has been one of the best hitters on the Dodgers during the early part of the season, rivaling Andy Pages and Max Muncy.
He struggled as a rookie to force the issue and adjust to major league pitching, but he has come into 2026 with a renewed approach that is delivering results. The lefty is hitting . 419/.