Dodgers lose key catching depth in Braves waiver claim after Will Smith injury

The Los Angeles Dodgers are dealing with a lot of injury adversity with the playoffs around the corner. Most recently, Michael Kopech ominously hit the injured list, but right before that came the concern surrounding star catcher Will Smith.

The slugger hit the IL with a right hand contusion that was later revealed to be a hairline fracture (he will miss the rest of the regular season with his playoff contributions up in the air). Thankfully, Dalton Rushing was able to return from the IL a few days later.

When Smith originally hit the IL, though, the Dodgers recalled Chuckie Robinson to help with the major league catching depth, which featured only Ben Rortvedt. Robinson was then DFA'd a few days later to make room for Rushing.

The Dodgers perhaps thought it was a foregone conclusion Robinson would clear waivers and return to Triple-A Oklahoma City, but they were wrong. The Atlanta Braves claimed the 30-year-old on Sunday, which puts LA in a bit of a "situation."

In no world was Robinson expected to be a key contributor. But the Dodgers are one slight catching issue away from having to call upon ... Chris Okey? Frank Rodriguez?

Dodgers lost catcher Chuckie Robinson to Braves in Sunday waiver claim

Robinson appeared in just one game for LA this year, but it came at a time when the situation was dire. And it still kind of is. While Rortvedt has been a revelation, Rushing has not been good (and has dealt with an injury at the worst possible juncture of the season).

The Dodgers never imagined they'd be in such a situation, especially with how good Smith had been playing before everything took a turn. They also had high hopes for Rushing, who has hit .184 with a .534 OPS in 47 games with LA. Rortvedt could end up being the best trade deadline acquisition for the Dodgers when all is said and done. Good thing the Padres didn't manage to do enough to take advantage of all that's happened to the Dodgers during the second half of the season.

At this point in the year, you have what you have, and all playoff teams can rely upon is some semblance of stability as October draws closer. The Dodgers are playing the hand they've been dealt admirably, but there is a reality in which the loss of Robinson has some sort of effect if something else goes wrong with their catching group.