Smith begins rehab assignment in quest to rejoin LA for stretch run

ATLANTA -- As the Dodgers kick off a three-game series against the Braves at Truist Park on Tuesday, the club is taking another step toward getting its starting catcher back in the fold.

Will Smith is officially beginning a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City. His progression into live game action marks a key milestone in his recovery process after being sidelined for nearly three months.

Smith has not played since June 5 due to an inflamed disc in his neck. What was initially expected to be a brief stint on the injured list turned into a lengthy shutdown, but Smith turned a corner in recent weeks, progressing to taking live batting practice at Dodger Stadium last week.

Ahead of Tuesday’s series opener in Atlanta, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts outlined the initial workload and timeline for Smith's stint with OKC.

"Tonight, it's gonna be five innings," Roberts said. "And then I don't know if it's five innings or DH tomorrow. The hope is that once we get to Sept. 1, he's gonna be active, but that's all contingent on health."​

Getting Smith back behind the plate carries significant weight for Los Angeles as the club enters the final stretch of the regular season. Before Smith went on the injured list, the Dodgers boasted a Major League-leading 3.03 team ERA. In his absence, that mark has risen to 4.27.

The Dodgers' catching depth has faced additional pressure over the last month, particularly after backup Dalton Rushing was sidelined with a partial UCL tear in his right elbow in early August. While Rushing has made progress toward facing live pitching, his ability to catch again this season remains unlikely. Instead, the team is targeting a September return for Rushing strictly as a hitter.

Clear health checks in Oklahoma City this week would keep Smith on target for that Sept. 1 activation, giving the veteran catcher a full month of game action to regain his rhythm before the postseason.