Dave Roberts said on August 22, 2026 that Will Smith is targeting activation during the first week of September as the Los Angeles Dodgers manager provided updates on his catching situation.
Roberts said Smith has taken at bats, will catch a couple of bullpens, and will continue live at-bats before a targeted return. "Hopefully that first week of September, you know, he's active," Roberts said. He added that Smith will not travel on the upcoming road trip but will keep building up before a rehab assignment of about four or five days, noting, "another week and then he'll go out for, you know, call it four or five days or something like that." Roberts explained that Smith still needs to get his legs back under him before the team feels confident he can play a full major league game.
Roberts also noted that the Dodgers' pitching results have suffered without Smith behind the plate, calling his presence a stabilizing factor for the staff. He mentioned that the team used four different catchers during the 2026 season while trying to assimilate and learn the pitching staff during Smith's absence.
On Dalton Rushing, Roberts said the catcher is pain-free and continuing to progress, though he had not yet started throwing as of the manager's last update. Rushing was scheduled to meet with Dr. Elatro, according to Roberts. The manager stated he still believes it is unlikely Rushing catches again during the 2026 season, though he added he hopes to be wrong.
Roberts also discussed the mental and emotional side of a slump involving Kyle, saying the team is supporting him through it. "He's not on an island. We're here to support him," Roberts said. He added that he believes the player has turned a corner mentally and emotionally, though he acknowledged he cannot predict on-field results, and described Kyle taking batting practice on the field as a way to change his routine. Roberts also said Emmet Sheehan will likely start again soon to stay built up, probably Saturday or Sunday, before being activated for a game against the Atlanta Braves, though he was not yet sure which day Sheehan would be penciled in.