Dodgers Activate Will Smith, Rushing, Wrobleski Ahead of Cardinals Series

In a rapid shuffle of personnel, the Los Angeles Dodgers have cleared three spots on their active roster just in time for a September clash with the St. Louis Cardinals. Catchers Will Smith and Dalton Rushing, and left‑handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski were removed from the injured list, while infielder Alex Freeland was recalled from Triple‑A. To make room, the club optioned outfielder Alek Thomas and designated catcher Ben Rortvedt for assignment.

Smith, who has been sidelined since a neck injury was diagnosed on June 11, has not appeared in a game since June 5. His return comes after a month‑long absence and restores a veteran presence behind the plate. Rushing, who spent most of the season in the minors, was activated at the same time, adding depth to the catching corps.

Wrobleski, a young left‑hander who made his major‑league debut in 2024, was also activated from the injured list. The pitcher, who earned an All‑Star nod in 2026, has been a bright spot in the Dodgers’ rotation and is expected to contribute immediately.

September is the first month of the MLB season when teams are allowed to expand their active rosters from 26 to 28 players. The Dodgers’ roster changes coincide with that expansion, giving the club additional flexibility as it heads into a stretch of games that could be pivotal for its playoff hopes.

The Dodgers entered the week with a struggling offense. According to recent statistics, the team has been below its season average in runs scored and batting average. The return of Smith and Rushing, both of whom have experience behind the plate, is expected to improve the team’s defensive stability and provide more options for the manager.

Freeland’s recall adds depth to the middle infield. The player has spent the past two seasons in the minors and has shown power potential in limited major‑league appearances. His addition gives the Dodgers a veteran presence in the infield and a potential power bat.

To accommodate the new additions, the Dodgers moved Alek Thomas, an outfielder who has spent most of the season in the minors, to Triple‑A. Thomas had been on the 40‑man roster but was not needed on the active roster for the upcoming series. Ben Rortvedt, a catcher who has spent time in the minors, was designated for assignment, making him available to other teams.

The Dodgers’ schedule for the week includes a three‑game series against the Cardinals in Los Angeles after the team won a series against the Detroit Tigers in Detroit. The Cardinals are a division rival and a strong contender in the National League West. The Dodgers’ performance in this series will be closely watched by analysts and fans alike.

The roster moves also reflect the Dodgers’ strategy of balancing veteran presence with young talent. Smith and Rushing bring experience, while Freeland and Thomas represent the organization’s future. The decision to activate Wrobleski, who has earned an All‑Star selection in 2026, underscores the team’s confidence in his health and ability to contribute.

In summary, the Dodgers have expanded their roster for September, added key players from the injured list, and made room by moving two players to the minors or releasing one. The team is now ready to face the Cardinals in Los Angeles after a recent series win over the Tigers. The outcome of the upcoming games will influence the Dodgers’ position in the playoff race and test the effectiveness of the new roster configuration.