Catcher Situation: Will Smith Returning, Rushing Stepping In

Will Smith is pain-free and starting baseball activities, with his hitting progression positive, reducing urgency for a catcher trade. Dalton Rushing has been starting and broke his slump but committed an error. The Dodgers signed Ben Rortvedt to a 5-year deal and DFA'd Jake Rogers. A backup catcher (third-string) is still being explored, but the team is unlikely to pursue a blockbuster like Adley Rutschman.