The Los Angeles Dodgers made significant roster adjustments Tuesday, bringing back three key contributors from the injured list as they enter the final stretch of the season. Catcher Will Smith, who has been unavailable since early June due to a neck injury, returned to action and was inserted into the starting lineup against the St. Louis Cardinals. Backup catcher Dalton Rushing and left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski also rejoined the active roster after recovering from their respective injuries, providing depth to both the offensive and pitching ranks.
Smith appeared in 52 games before his injury, batting .249 with six home runs and 23 runs batted in. During his rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City, he demonstrated his readiness by going .250 in five games. Rushing, who had played in 74 games this season, will serve primarily as a pinch-hitter while continuing his recovery. Manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism about Rushing potentially being able to catch before the postseason, though he acknowledged uncertainty about that timeline.
The roster moves also included infielder Alex Freeland’s recall from the minor leagues. To accommodate these additions, the Dodgers optioned outfielder Alek Thomas and designated catcher Ben Rortvedt for assignment. Roberts emphasized that these changes would help stabilize the team’s lineup, which has struggled offensively in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, discussions about star player Shohei Ohtani’s potential return to the pitcher’s mound are expected to occur soon. Ohtani has been sidelined since July due to ongoing knee and biceps issues. Roberts noted that a critical conversation regarding Ohtani’s pitching timeline would take place within the week to determine the best path forward for the remainder of the season.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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