Dodgers' Will Smith Day-to-Day With Neck Stiffness, Team Discussing IL Possibility

Dodgers catcher Will Smith sat out his third consecutive game Tuesday because of neck stiffness, and manager Dave Roberts said the club is now discussing whether to place him on the injured list. Smith was scratched from the lineup Saturday after neck discomfort appeared suddenly.

The team initially expected him back Sunday, then hoped Monday’s off day would allow recovery, but he remained limited after taking swings and playing catch Tuesday afternoon in Pittsburgh.

Roberts said Smith “just still doesn’t feel right” and that the team does not yet know the results or status of any imaging. He added that he wants Smith to complete a full day of pregame work before returning, which would likely rule out a Wednesday appearance.

The minimum 10-day injured-list stint can be backdated only three days, prompting the club to begin internal discussions about the move, Roberts said.

The Dodgers opened a three-game series against the Pirates in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Minor-league relievers Chayce McDermott and Jake Eder traveled with the team on the taxi squad but were not added to the active roster. Roberts said the pitchers were brought in to protect against potential fatigue after several relievers had worked heavily in recent days.

He stated the roster remains “status quo” and that bullpen coach Josh Bard reported the current pitchers are fine. Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to pitch and play in the field on Wednesday. Roberts said he expects Ohtani to remain in the lineup Thursday as well, citing the team’s off day Monday.