Dodgers Shift Will Smith to 60‑Day IL, Add Charlie Barnes

The Los Angeles Dodgers have moved catcher Will Smith from the 10‑day injured list to the 60‑day injured list, extending his absence through at least August 5. Smith’s recent neck disc problem has kept him sidelined for more than a month without any noticeable improvement. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the team is giving him a full week of rest, hoping to calm the neck issue before any gradual return to activity. The shift also frees a spot on the 40‑man roster, a move the front office hopes will help the club’s depth.

Will Smith’s Injury Timeline

Smith’s neck disc issue first flared up early in the season, prompting an initial 10‑day placement. He was later moved to the 60‑day list to open a roster spot and allow for a more extensive recovery window. The decision followed a month of limited activity, during which throwing and hitting attempts did not produce any improvement. Roberts described the recent approach as a mandatory week of zero baseball activity, emphasizing the need to calm the neck before any incremental work. The catcher remains hopeful for a season‑ending return, but the manager warned that progress will be measured in consecutive days of feeling better. The timeline now points to a slow ramp‑up, and Roberts admitted he cannot yet define what a successful path looks like.

Dodgers Roster Adjustments

In response to the roster vacancy, the Dodgers signed left‑handed pitcher Charlie Barnes to a contract, adding a long‑relief option to the bullpen. Barnes is not viewed as a direct upgrade over Landon Knack, who was optioned to Triple‑A after a rough start. Knack posted a 9.00 ERA across his two major‑league outings this season, a stark contrast to his 2024 performance where he posted a 1.0 bWAR as a starter. The organization believes Barnes can absorb innings and give Knack time to develop in the minors. The move is designed to bolster depth while keeping the 40‑man roster flexible.

Impact on the Rotation and Depth

Barnes brings a left‑handed arm capable of handling multiple innings, which helps to mitigate run‑support needs in the middle of games. While his pedigree does not immediately surpass Knack’s past contributions, his ability to stay in games can provide stability for a bullpen that has been stretched thin. The organization’s plan is to let Knack refine his craft in Triple‑A, returning later if performance warrants a recall. This shuffling aims to keep the Dodgers competitive while managing the uncertainty surrounding Smith’s health. The moves reflect a strategic approach to balancing short‑term needs with long‑term development.

What Lies Ahead for Smith

The immediate focus for Smith is a week of complete rest, intended to reduce inflammation and allow the neck structures to recover. After that, any progression will be measured carefully, with Roberts noting the need for consecutive days of feeling better before attempting a gradual return. He cautioned that the ramp‑up will be slow and that he cannot yet outline a concrete timeline for when Smith might rejoin the active roster. The catcher’s availability for the remainder of the season will hinge on how his body responds to the rest period. In the meantime, the Dodgers must rely on their catcher depth as they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot.