LOS ANGELES -- Catcher Will Smith was out of the Dodgers' starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Cubs at Dodger Stadium, missing his second straight game due to back tightness.
Smith has been dealing with the ailment over the past couple of days, and manager Dave Roberts described him as day to day. The hope is that Smith will return to the lineup for Monday's series opener against the Marlins, but even if he does not, the Dodgers are not expecting him to need a stint on the injured list.
"Even from talking to the training staff, it’s something that, again, he probably could have played last night, probably could play today, but we didn’t want to push it," Roberts said. "I don’t think the IL is any consideration."
Catcher Dalton Rushing started in Smith's place. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a hot start to his sophomore season, entering Sunday 14-for-35 (.400) with seven homers through his first 11 games.
At this early point in the season, the Dodgers don't see any need to rush back Smith, who's gone 21-for-79 (.266) with a .729 OPS in 24 games. He is their starting catcher, but the way Rushing has held his own of late has given them another reason to give Smith additional time to rest.
"You kind of weigh out the positives and negatives. My hope is he’s in there [Monday]," Roberts said. "But Dalton going the way he’s going, it just only seems like downside to kind of push him now."