Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith’s injury was downplayed when it originally happened, with manager Dave Roberts believing Smith would only miss a game or two.

However, those comments came back around June 8, and Smith was placed on the 10-day IL on June 11.

Then, manager Dave Roberts expected just the minimum from Smith on the injured, though as his activation date approached, there was less and less optimism.

Now, as Smith has not healed well, he had another scan, which revealed some issues, leading to the catcher getting a cortisol shot to manage the pain.

According to Roberts, Smith may not travel to Minneapolis for the road trip, though it all depends on how the shot helps him.

“It’s going to take more time,” Roberts said. “Had a scan recently and, you know, the results were sort of fine. Nothing really bad, but I think he’s going to give some type of shot to kind of minimize the sensation or whatever.

“But he feels OK, not great. And I think for us, we’re just trying to make sure that we don’t have a setback when he comes back. So I think that’s kind of the pause. So he won’t be active this weekend.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation)

What will a longer absence mean for the Dodgers?

Smith staying out longer will cost the team their outstanding catcher depth. Dalton Rushing gets elevated to a more regular role, but the Dodgers now have Chuckie Robinson, who really struggles with his bat, getting meaningful repetitions.

Smith and Rushing was one of the best catching duos in baseball, and without the veteran, the Dodgers’ start studded depth chart is knocked down a peg.

Hitting-wise, Smith has not been at his usual best. He only has a 102 OPS+ while hitting .249.

He likely will not be an All-Star, ruining his consecutive appearance streak. For the Dodgers, his absence will not mean much if he is healthy for October.

In pressure moments, there are few better hitters than Smith and the Dodgers will need his experience.

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani will miss Friday night’s game against the Baltimore Orioles as he’s been placed on paternity leave.

He’s expecting his second child.

No word has been released about when he will be back in action.

The news was broken by Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, who added that it’s possible the team might night put him officially on the paternity list.

The late scratch of Ohtani from the lineup could be the cause of the delay regarding tonight’s lineup, which was not released this afternoon as it normally is.

Check back for updates to this developing story.

The Los Angeles Dodgers seem to be the team in MLB that can offer exactly what the Detroit Tigers want for Tarik Skubal.

In a major reveal on Thursday afternoon, an off day for the Dodgers, insider Jon Heyman reported that the Tigers are looking for controllable pitching and position players close to the big leagues.

While not exactly some kind of breaking news, considering most teams who reasonably ask for this when targeting an ace pitcher, this is the first clear notion of what the franchise is looking for if they deal Skubal.

Rather than targeting the highest-upside players, the Tigers seemingly want players who will not take too long to be ready to contribute.

The Dodgers have one of the best farm systems in baseball, with top-end talent capable of offering a prospect package, and they are also uniquely equipped with budding major-league talent and minor-league players close to the show.

Who can the Dodgers offer?

Cost-controlled pitchers: Emmet Sheehan, Justin Wrobleski, River Ryan, and Jackson Ferris

Nearly ready position players: James Tibbs III, Zach Ehrhard, Ryan Ward, Mike Sirota, and Josue De Paula

Out of these two groups, the Dodgers can put together a great package for Skubal that includes both of what the Tigers want.

In fact, the Dodgers can lay out these options for the Tigers and give them the pick of the litter. The least likely to be moved in a Skubal deal is clearly De Paula, who is the real gem of the Dodgers system and has broken into the top tier of prospect evaluation.

A combination of Wrobleski and Tibbs would generate some serious consideration from Detroit, who would get a quality starter that can get outs, along with Tibbs, one of the hottest minor league players in baseball.

Then, it might take one more player to get it done if a true bidding war does ensue, but even just a Wrobleski/Sheehan + Tibbs should get the Dodgers close.

Why the Dodgers can get the trade done

The Brewers are the only team that can legitimately compete for Skubal if the Dodgers push hard for him, but trading for an expensive rental who would demand top dollar goes against their DNA — see no further than the Freddy Peralta deal.

For this reason, along with the Dodgers’ resources, LA is the team lined up for Skubal.