Smith returns from injury; Dodgers activate multiple players from the injured list.

As MLB rosters expanded from 26 to 28 today, the Dodgers welcomed reinforcements, headlined by starting catcher Will Smith coming off the 60-day injured list. Catcher Dalton Rushing and left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski were also activated from the injured list, while infielder Alex Freeland was added to the active roster.

In corresponding roster moves, outfielder Alek Thomas was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City, and catcher Ben Rortvedt was designated for assignment.

Smith has been sidelined for nearly three months due to cervical disc inflammation, an injury that kept him out much longer than initially expected. Over the past week, he completed the final step of his long rehab process, playing in rehab games with Triple-A Oklahoma City to prepare for his return to the majors.

Smith's return to the field should provide a boost to the Dodgers' slumping offense. Before landing on the injured list, the starting catcher's performance was not ideal by his own standards—batting .249 with a .720 OPS—but his mere presence in the lineup and behind the plate holds immense value for Los Angeles.

"His experience, his composure in the batter's box, and his management of the pitching staff are all crucial," said manager Dave Roberts.

Smith and Hunter Feduccia will form the Dodgers' catching tandem. The team's plan is for Smith to start by catching every other game, then gradually increase his workload.

Parting ways with Rortvedt and optioning Thomas freed up spots for the Dodgers to add hitters. Wanting to bolster the bench with left-handed bats, they added Freeland and Rushing. Rushing has begun throwing drills, but due to a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, it remains uncertain whether he can catch again this season; for now, he will serve only as a hitter.

The Dodgers had previously seemed to consider calling up an outfielder to platoon with Teoscar Hernández in left field, but ultimately they chose Freeland. The switch-hitting infielder can handle some starts at second base against right-handed pitchers, freeing up more center field playing time for Tommy Edman. The team currently does not plan to have Freeland share time with Hernández in left field.

"We didn't call up an outfielder," Roberts said. "I think it's a show of confidence in Teo, trusting that he can find his own form. That's where we are right now, and of course, if necessary, we can adjust course."

While any offensive spark could help the Dodgers during this team-wide slump, Roberts has previously indicated that September roster expansion won't necessarily lead to major changes in the starting lineup. For now, he prefers to give regular players enough time to find their groove before the postseason.

If the Dodgers' offensive struggles continue into September, larger adjustments may come.

"Given their past contributions and the roles they could play in critical postseason situations, I do tend to give players a longer leash," Roberts said. "It matters, until I just can't anymore."

Wrobleski, who made his first All-Star appearance as a starter this year, will now join the bullpen as a multi-inning reliever for the stretch run. He missed only a short time due to left forearm inflammation. More bullpen reinforcements are on the way: Blake Treinen (right elbow inflammation) is likely to return during this homestand, and Edwin Díaz (neck inflammation) is nearing the start of a rehab assignment.

The Dodgers' moves today were more about marginal optimization than significant roster overhaul. Particularly, the bench depth is better than before. But to shake off the shadow of a 13-14 August—the team's first losing month this season—the Dodgers' regulars must step up.

"It's up to the guys who carry the load now," Roberts said. "The players who are out there every day need to perform."