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Will Smith Joins Dodgers IL With Neck Inflammation

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Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is now on the 10-day injured list due to neck inflammation. The team made the move on Thursday before the final game of a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This roster change is retroactive to Monday, meaning he has already missed several games.

Smith enters this stint hitting .249 with six home runs and 23 RBIs across 52 games. To fill the void, the Dodgers purchased the contract of Chuckie Robinson from Triple-A Oklahoma City. These moves ensure the team has enough depth behind the plate while their primary catcher recovers from the injury.

Dalton Rushing will handle most of the catching duties until Smith returns. The team expects the three-time All-Star to be eligible for return next Thursday. Losing a consistent offensive threat at catcher forces the Dodgers to rely on younger talent to maintain their production during this stretch.

This short-term absence tests the team's bench depth during a series in Pittsburgh. Management expects a quick turnaround for their veteran catcher to stabilize the lineup. Smith remains a primary piece of the offense with his power and reliability.