Dodgers star catcher Smith sidelined for over a month due to recurring neck issue

Los Angeles Dodgers primary catcher Will Smith has been sidelined since early June because of neck trouble, and his recovery has not gone as planned. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated prior to today's contest that Smith might not be back on the field until August.

Smith exited the starting lineup on June 7 (Beijing time) due to neck pain. At the time, Roberts spoke about his condition rather casually, saying Smith woke up with a stiff neck, like a crick, and they planned to give him a day off, hoping he would be back in the lineup the next day. Roberts even joked at the time that it might have been due to poor sleeping posture or an unsuitable pillow.

However, Smith's injury has not improved as expected, and he has now missed over a month. Roberts provided an update on Smith's condition today, saying that Smith has shown almost no progress after resuming baseball activities. Although he is no longer experiencing pain, the team has decided to let him rest completely for another week before conducting further evaluations.