Smith's X-ray results came back negative, and the CT scan showed no additional concerns.

On the same night Shohei Ohtani was taken off the expected starting roster, the Dodgers' intended starting pitcher-catcher duo faced another setback with catcher Will Smith leaving the game after two innings during the Dodgers' 0-3 defeat to the Pirates at Pittsburgh's PNC Park on Thursday.

Smith's X-rays were negative, and a CT scan revealed no further issues. He left the game due to a right-hand contusion after being hit on the pitching hand's back by a foul ball in the second inning. Manager Dave Roberts said the primary catcher is expected to avoid the injured list.

Roberts stated in Baltimore today that Smith will not play in the first game of the series against the Orioles but did not rule out his possible return for the second or third game of the series.

In the meantime, rookie Dalton Rushing will be ready to start behind the plate, with the Dodgers carrying three catchers on the active roster.

Before yesterday's series finale in Pittsburgh, the Los Angeles Dodgers called up Ben Rortvedt from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Rortvedt was acquired from the Rays at the trade deadline. Correspondingly, Alex Freeland, the team's third-ranked prospect and MLB Pipeline's 42nd overall, was optioned to Triple-A, and former All-Star Alexis Díaz was designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.

“We can't afford to lose him,” Roberts said Thursday when discussing Smith. “I think we'll know more in the coming days.”

Rushing pinch-hit for Smith in the top of the third inning and then took over catching duties. He went 1-for-2 with a single to first base. He was also hit on the right hand during a swing in the seventh inning but later drew a walk and remained in the game.

“That was concerning. I'm glad he's okay,” Roberts said. “I also didn't like that he got hit while swinging at a 3-1 pitch. But we managed to get through it.”

Due to this loss, and after the Padres were swept by the Orioles, the Dodgers missed the chance to extend their lead in the National League West to over 2.5 games. They also failed to close the gap on the Phillies, who hold a two-game lead in the NL and the second seed with a first-round playoff bye.

The Dodgers' offense was marked by missed opportunities, having loaded the bases twice early in the game but going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

“Clearly, we had good at-bats today and got on base. We just couldn't get hits when we needed them,” first baseman Freddie Freeman said. “Baseball is tough. The concept is simple: hit the ball, catch the ball, and get hits when it counts. We obviously didn't do that tonight. We just have to look ahead and get ready for tomorrow.”

Inconsistent production has been an issue for the team over the past two months, and if Smith needs to miss any time, the Dodgers' situation could worsen.

Throughout July, Smith was the Dodgers' most consistent hitter, leading the National League with a .325 batting average and performing reliably in clutch moments. However, he hit a severe slump in August while adjusting his batting stance, dropping to a .159 average with a .630 OPS.

Nonetheless, Smith ended last month on a strong note by hitting a walk-off pinch-hit home run against the Diamondbacks on Monday.

The Dodgers have long been missing a key piece in their middle lineup, third baseman Max Muncy, who is on the injured list for the second time this season due to a right oblique strain. Losing Smith as well would be a significant setback.

Since July 1st—just two days after Muncy first went on the injured list—the Dodgers have scored only 230 runs, ranking 23rd in all of Major League Baseball. Prior to that, they led all 30 teams with 477 runs, 24 more than the second-place Cubs.

The Dodgers have a .463 winning percentage since July 1st, placing 21st in MLB and ranking only above the Brewers, Cardinals, Nationals, and Rockies in the National League.

In the first half of the season, the Dodgers largely relied on their strong offense to compensate for a pitching staff riddled with injuries. But now, with the starting pitchers becoming a true strength, the hitters have cooled off.

The Dodgers plan to play their best baseball late in the season as both the division title and playoff positioning are at critical points. However, their start in the first two games of September has been underwhelming.

“I truly believe our players are capable of delivering consistent, urgent team at-bats from the very first pitch,” Roberts said. “But ultimately, I’m sure our players are also sending the same message: we have to get it done. I can say no more than that—we have to get it done.”