All-Star catcher Will Smith has been out for almost three months due to a lingering neck injury, and it's impacted the Los Angeles Dodgers heavily.

Los Angeles has missed its starting catcher, both in the lineup and in dealing with the pitching staff.

But Smith did take a positive step toward a return on Friday, taking live batting practice against a minor league pitcher. Smith has also been catching bullpen sessions, giving him a chance to go out on a rehab assignment in the coming weeks.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided the latest intel on Smith's injury and when the team can expect him to return.

“I don’t know how many rehab games it will take. Obviously with that, you can work in the DH-ing,” Roberts said. “But he still needs to get his legs under him before we feel confident that he can take down a major-league game and feel good coming out of it.

“At the end of the day there’s not much of a calendar left. He’s going to play in the postseason. So I think it’s also helpful knowing that there’s no other alternative. He’s going to prepare his mind and body to get ready to go.”

Roberts has said previously that he doesn't envision Smith being out on a rehab assignment for too long once cleared. This could push up the timeline for him to get back with the Dodgers.

If the Dodgers can get Smith back around early-to-mid September, it would offer him enough time to ramp himself up for the postseason.

Before going out with the injury, Smith did struggle a little at the plate. Smith hit .249 with six home runs and 23 RBIs, while posting an OPS of .720 so far this year.

But the Dodgers need his services if they want to three-peat this season.

“It’s crucial,” Roberts said. “The experience, the calmness in the box, the managing of the pitching staff — all that stuff is crucial.”

What is the Dodgers' Catching Plan Until Will Smith Can Return?

While Smith is likely coming back sometime over the next few weeks, the Dodgers still have to manage this time without him.

Backup Dalton Rushing has also been out, dealing with a slight UCL tear, leaving the Dodgers' options fairly thin.

Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia have been the catching tandem for Los Angeles with both Smith and Rushing out. Neither player offers much offensively to the Dodgers, but they are both familiar with the system in place and are good enough to hold down the fort.

Los Angeles is also encouraged by the injury recovery from Rushing, potentially giving the Dodgers a chance to get back both of their top options this season.

For now, the Dodgers will move forward with Rortvedt and Feduccia. But once Smith is cleared to go, the catcher position will once again be a strength for the Dodgers.

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