The Los Angeles Dodgers have a key player back in their lineup Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals as Will Smith returns from a concussion, but in the process, they placed JD Martinez on the IL, backdated to April 25th, as announced by the team. The Dodgers also made a couple of other moves:

Smith was out for just under two weeks after taking a foul ball off his catcher's mask. LA won't put him behind the dish right away, with the 28-year-old serving as the DH Friday in place of Martinez.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Dodgers News
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow (31) throws during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium.
Tyler Glasnow suffers unfortunate blooper during rehab startZachary Draves ·
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) scores in the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.
Max Muncy gives props to Royals after narrow victoryZachary Draves ·
May 7, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Tanner Scott gives props to Freddie Freeman for incredible game-winning catchMike Gianakos ·
Jun 3, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first base Freddie Freeman (5) reacts after hitting a RBI single against the New York Mets during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Freddie Freeman seals win over Royals with web gem at 1st baseMike Gianakos ·
Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) runs the bases after hitting a home run in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernandez makes final decision on Home Run DerbyAbdullah Imran ·
May 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) celebrates after hitting a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Max Muncy keeps hot streak alive with 4th HR in 4 daysMike Gianakos ·

Martinez has been nursing a sore back in the last few days and to prevent any further damage, the Dodgers are just giving him some time off. The slugger is swinging it well with Los Angeles after coming over in the offseason, hitting .250 with four homers, nine doubles, two triples, and 15 RBI in 23 games. He's also slugging .534. It's just some lower back tightness therefore it shouldn't keep Martinez out for too long. That's the hope, at least.

The Dodgers offense is producing 5.1 runs per game but sits at just .500 baseball, much in part to the inconsistency of their pitching staff, which owns a 4.72 ERA. Brusdar Graterol's return to the bullpen should help while Max Muncy is also in the mix again after having his first child.

Dave Roberts' squad plays the Cardinals all weekend long before facing the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres next week. A tough stretch ahead for the organization as they look to find a rhythm after a dismal start.