Dodgers get Will Smith, Dalton Rushing back from IL in needed boost to slumping lineup

There are many problems behind the Dodgers’ recent offensive struggles.But on Tuesday, they added a couple of potentially impactful solutions back into the mix.After missing almost three months with an inflamed disc in his neck, catcher Will Smith was activated off the injured list in what the team hopes will be a boon to its offense, receiving a long-awaited reinforcement in the form of the three-time All-Star backstop.In a surprise move, backup catcher Dalton Rushing was also activated off the injured list, returning sooner than expected from a slight tear in his elbow ligament that will likely limit him to only pinch-hitting duties for the foreseeable future.The moves came on the day MLB rosters expanded from 26 to 28 players at the start of September.In other roster moves, the Dodgers called up infielder Alex Freeland, activated pitcher Justin Wrobleski from the injured, optioned outfielder Alek Thomas to the minors and designated catcher Ben Rortvedt for assignment.Smith’s return is the biggest development.

He had been out since the first week of June, after what was initially believed to be a minor neck injury turned into a prolonged stint on the 60-day IL.His activation should restore stability to the team’s unsettled catching situation, which has seen five other catchers cycle through the roster over the course of his absence.Rushing, meanwhile, rejoins the Dodgers a little over a month after suffering his elbow injury –– coming back from the IL without even a minor-league rehab assignment.His chances of being able to catch again this season remain in doubt, as he progresses through a throwing program.But he can give the Dodgers a sorely-needed left-handed bat off the bench, something they’ve been missing during their recent struggles at the plate.The moves will give the Dodgers’ roster a new look for the final stretch of the regular season.Smith will be backed up behind the plate by Hunter Feduccia.

Freeland’s promotion could allow the tea...