Update on health of Will Smith and Alex Wood

The Dodgers begin a three-game series with the Angels tonight. Here are the latest news and notes according to Dave Roberts.

Will Smith, who exited the game the other night in the fifth inning, is seeing mild improvement with his sore neck. According to Roberts, he is still in mild pain and is still really stiff. It looks like it could potentially be an Injured List situation, but Roberts said he’s unsure yet. With Smith and Austin Barnes being the only two catchers on the active roster, the Dodgers have a plan for an emergency backup should something happen to Barnes tonight.

Matt Beaty.

Yup. Apparently he has catching experience from when he was at Belmont College. Let’s hope we don’t have to see that tonight.

In regards to Alex Wood, looks like we’re getting close to seeing him rejoin the starting rotation. According to Roberts, Wood is expected to throw a bullpen tomorrow. The plan is for him to do three innings of a simulated game on Tuesday. After that, the club will know more about when he can potentially start a game.

News and notes

• Some notable changes in the lineup. Cody Bellinger moved down to the five spot. AJ Pollock is hitting cleanup and Max Muncy isn’t in the lineup.

“He should be back in there tomorrow,” Roberts said in regards to Muncy. “With Cody, it’s more of giving him a different look. AJ is swinging the bat well. The third time through, having to get through AJ and Turner to get to Cody, I think it sets up better for the entire lineup. I wanted to get AJ up a little bit.”

• Kenley Jansen has looked really good so far this season. Roberts knows Jansen isn’t where he’d like him to be, but he’s impressed with what he’s seen so far.

“The overall mix has been good,” Roberts said. “Obviously the results are where we want them to be. The late life characteristics have been inconsistent. There have been some things with delivery he’s trying to work through. Really encourages he’s still getting results while trying to get that dialed in.”

• It’s still undecided on whether or not Tony Gonsolin will make another start for the Dodgers in the near future