Dodgers get positive Will Smith update that could lessen one trade deadline need

The Dodgers’ need for a catcher at the trade deadline might be decreasing.On Tuesday, manager Dave Roberts announced that All-Star backstop Will Smith has begun baseball activities again, saying the catcher is finally “pain-free” from a neck injury that has sidelined him since early June.Smith will now begin a throwing and hitting program, in addition to increased work in the weight room.The news came as an encouraging development for the Dodgers, who had been closely monitoring the 31-year-old’s progress while evaluating the need to potentially add another catcher before next Monday’s trade deadline.“I’m excited to hear that he is starting some baseball activities,” Roberts said.Last week, sources told the California Post that the Dodgers hadn’t ramped up their efforts to add another catcher amid Smith’s ongoing absence.The team wasn’t believed to be looking for a bigger name at the position, either, instead weighing the possibility of bolstering their catching depth behind second-year backup Dalton Rushing.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Still, any further setbacks or delays in Smith’s recovery might have altered their approach.As Roberts noted over the weekend, it was going to be “helpful” to have more clarity on Smith’s status before deadline decisions had to be made.Now, finally, a tangible update has arrived –– reinforcing the Dodgers’ optimism in having Smith back at full health for the stretch run of the season and the start of the playoffs.Smith has not played since June 5, when he first developed what was initially described as minor stiffness in his neck.

However, the pain continued to linger, leading to a doctor’s visit in which Smith was diagnosed with an inflamed disc in his neck.His previous...