The Los Angeles Dodgers reached the All-Star break with the best record in MLB despite dealing with several major injuries.

Los Angeles has managed to survive every setback so far. That has put the team in a strong position for the stretch run and postseason.

Still, the Dodgers need some of their injured players back.

One of the biggest concerns is catcher Will Smith. He has been on the Injured List since June 8 because of neck inflammation.

Smith later revealed that doctors diagnosed him with an inflamed disc. His recovery has lasted much longer than the organization expected.

Manager Dave Roberts provided another concerning update before the All-Star break.

According to The Orange County Register, Roberts said that Smith still has not reached a meaningful stage in his return-to-play process. The manager expects him back this year, but the Dodgers have no idea when that will happen.

“I still don’t see him doing anything that’s considerable in the sense of, you know, return to play,” Roberts noted.

“Hesitant to put any type of timeline on it, but certainly expect him back this year. Just have no idea when.”

Smith has not resumed normal baseball activities.

The inflamed disc has been difficult to manage. The organization has also struggled to understand why his recovery has taken so long.

Roberts explained that Smith still feels restriction during lateral movement. Soreness and some pain return when he tries to increase the intensity. That has prevented him from advancing to the next stage of baseball activity.

“I think there’s some restriction as far as kind of the lateral [movement], when he does kind of try to ramp it up,” Roberts said. “It’s still some soreness, maybe a little bit of pain. So we just haven’t been able to get to the next step to push the baseball activity.”

Before the injury, Smith was having a down season compared with previous years.

He recorded a .249/.338/.382 slash line with six home runs and 23 RBIs in 52 games.

The Dodgers hope he can return sooner rather than later. However, the latest update suggests there has been little progress.

For now, Dalton Rushing will remain the starting catcher. Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. serves as the backup.

Rushing has been a productive replacement, especially at the plate.

After hitting seven home runs in eight games during a hot stretch, his production has leveled off.

The second-year catcher is batting .254 with 10 home runs, 30 RBIs and an .812 OPS in 61 games.

The larger question involves his emotions.

Rushing has been involved in several controversial incidents this season. Many have come against opposing teams.

He also frustrated Shohei Ohtani during a game against the Minnesota Twins on June 24, although the two appeared to resolve the issue.

Several Dodgers players have spoken with Rushing about his behavior. He has accepted responsibility, but he must prove he can handle the pressure moving forward.

Smith remains especially valuable because he gives the Dodgers stability behind the plate. He prepares carefully for each pitcher and understands how to guide a game without drawing attention to himself.

His receiving and communication help pitchers stay comfortable, especially when an inning begins to unravel.

At the plate, Smith brings a controlled approach and does not need to chase power to create damage. He can work counts, use the middle of the field, and adjust to different pitching plans. That combination makes him difficult to replace.

His absence removes more than offense from the lineup. It also takes away experience, calm decision-making, and a trusted connection with the pitching staff.

Rushing can supply production, but Smith provides the complete presence the Dodgers expect from their everyday catcher.

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