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The Los Angeles Dodgers have made their choice on who will replace Will Smith, electing to have minor league catcher Chuckie Robinson take over his spot on the team.
Smith has been suffering from “stiffness” in his neck, which has kept him on the bench over the last four games, two against the Los Angeles Angels and two against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The injury was originally supposed to be nothing serious, with manager Dave Roberts playing it down and chalking it up to some poor sleep or minor discomfort.
However, the pain lingered long enough for Smith to avoid playing, making his discomfort worse.
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Sep 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Chuckie Robinson (52) runs toward first base after a bunt against the Philadelphia Phillies in the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
In his absence, Dalton Rushing has started four straight games, quite a toll for a player even as young as Rushing.
Catching is a tiring position that requires players to stay on their knees for extended periods, so much so that teams often rotate catchers.
With Smith unavailable, Rushing has held the position down, barring any kind of emergency, doing a great job at the plate and behind it, but the Dodgers now need someone else to take some of the load.
The Dodgers make a roster move
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Feb 19, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Chuckie Robinson poses for a portrait during photo day at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After speaking with the team following a brutal 9-8 loss to the Pirates on Wednesday, manager Dave Roberts announced that Smith will be headed to the injured list, retroactive to Monday, and that he will be eligible to return on June 19th.
In his place comes Chuckie Robinson, a longtime minor leaguer who played in one game for the Dodgers back in 2025.
He signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers this year and has played 21 games with Oklahoma City.
Robinson is someone that the Dodgers trust to do a serviceable job behind the plate and carries a degree of reliability.
His bat has not been great in the majors, hitting just .131 in 130 at-bats, but the defensive work should hold down the fort.
Neck injuries can be tricky to test and heal, but Smith should likely only need the minimum amount of time if it is truly just discomfort rather than something underlying.
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