The Dodgers have a new injury concern to monitor with one of their star players.
After missing Saturday’s game because of back tightness, catcher Will Smith was once again out of the team’s lineup Sunday — though manager Dave Roberts said he didn’t believe the issue would require an injured list stint.
“It’s one of those where he could play if needed to,” Roberts said. “But we just felt it was smart to give him an extra day. I guess, put him in the day-to-day category.”
Roberts added that his hope was for Smith to return to the lineup Monday.
Roberts initially disclosed Smith’s back issue Saturday, saying it had flared up near the end of this past week.
However, he also said it was “nothing of concern” and expected Smith to be back in action Sunday.
Instead, when the team released its lineup Sunday morning –– with the announcement coming closer to first pitch than usual –– Smith was out and Dalton Rushing was in.
“To have Dalton going the way he’s going,” Roberts said, “it only seemed like downside to push [Smith] right now.”
Indeed, Rushing has gotten off to a blistering start this season. He has seven home runs and 15 RBIs in 40 plate appearances. He is hitting .400 with a 1.532 OPS, marks that both lead the team despite his limited at-bats.
Smith, however, is still the Dodgers’ top catching option, as a three-time All-Star who started this year batting .266 with three home runs (including a three-run blast in his most recent start Friday) and 14 RBIs.
If the Dodgers place him on the injured list, their minor-league replacement options include Seby Zavala, Chuckie Robinson and Eliezer Alfonzo.
However, Roberts reiterated that the IL is not “any consideration” for Smith now.
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