Dodgers’ Will Smith takes huge step toward return after missing months with neck injury

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is set to began a rehab assignment.

Smith has missed over three months of the season because of an inflamed disk in his neck. On Tuesday, he took a massive step in his return to the Dodgers by starting behind the dish for Oklahoma City at Triple-A.

The plan is for Smith to bat second and catch for five innings.

The All-Star last played June 5 and the Dodgers moved him to the injured list a week later. The injury was initially listed as neck inflammation, but it was later revealed to be an inflamed desk.

Leading up to the trade deadline, Smith had been fully shut down before resuming baseball activities at the end of July. His absence sparked speculation as to whether the Dodgers required more depth at the catcher position.

Once Dalton Rushing sustained a minor tear in his UCL, the Dodgers began bolstering their backstop depth in August with the acquisitions of Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia (both of whom have formerly played for LA).

But the hope has always been that Smith could make a return for the playoffs.

While a limited sample size, Smith hasn’t been as productive this season slashing .249/.338/.382 for a .720 OPS across 52 games. It appears he’ll have time to improve that stat line before the regular season comes to close, barring any setbacks during his rehab assignment with OKC.

The Dodgers won’t rush Smith’s return as the priority for the All-Star is being healthy in October.