Will Smith Workload Impacted by Neck Injury During 2026 Campaign

Dodgers primary catcher Will Smith missed three months during the 2026 season due to a nagging neck injury. His extended absence forced backup Dalton Rushing into a major starting role behind the plate early in the year. Smith's health and workload management remain pivotal factors for Los Angeles as they structure their catching core and overall roster alignment entering the upcoming 2027 season.