Dodgers activate World Series hero Will Smith

The Los Angeles Dodgers are getting an important player back in the lineup for September's playoff push.

Veteran catcher Will Smith was activated from the injured list on Tuesday ahead of a game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Smith, who hit the World Series-winning home run in Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays last fall, has not played since the first week of June due to an inflamed disc in his neck. The Dodgers have had a rotation cast behind the plate in his absence, to mixed results.

Smith was hitting .249/.338/.382 with a .720 OPS and six home runs before his injury.

The Dodgers also activated catcher Dalton Rushing (elbow) to serve as a pinch-hitting option down the stretch. Left-handed starter Justin Wrobleski (inflammation in his left forearm) was also activated. Wrobleski will now pitch out of the bullpen after being an all-star starter earlier in the season.

In corresponding moves, the Dodgers designated catcher Ben Rortvedt for assignment and optioned outfielder Alek Thomas to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

The Dodgers (82-55) have a nine-game lead in the National League West division but are in a virtual tie with the Atlanta Braves (82-56) for second place in the league and a first-round bye.