The Los Angeles Dodgers traded for Ben Rortvedt in a deal that is sending Chayce McDermott to the New York Mets, according to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball. The deal comes hours before the 2026 MLB trade deadline at 3 p.m. PT on Monday, Aug. 3.
However, it’s now the Dodgers’ third move of the trade season as they previously acquired Seth Halvorsen on July 20. Nick Frasso and Landyn Vidourek were traded to the Colorado Rockies in that deal.
Then on Sunday, the Dodgers traded River Ryan, Zyhir Hope and Brady Smith to the Detroit Tigers for Tarik Skubal.
As this year’s deadline approached, the Dodgers were linked to scenarios ranging from Skubal to addressing their farm system by becoming sellers. Shohei Ohtani’s lingering left knee and right bicep discomfort, and Will Smith’s extended absence because of an inflamed disc in his neck suggested the rotation and catching position were areas of some need.
But manager Dave Roberts maintained the Dodgers did not view their situation as such because of an expectation Ohtani will resume pitching in time for the postseason and Smith is expected to return as well.
Ben Rortvedt Dodgers
Rortvedt is back with the organization after an unexpected but successful run into the postseason last year. Rortvedt was lauded by the front office and teammates alike for his strong ability to manage the pitching staff.
The Dodgers attempted to sneak Rortvedt through waivers during the offseason but he was claimed by the Cincinnati Reds. Then after getting cut by the Reds, the Dodgers reunited with Rortvedt by claiming him off waivers. That stint with the team wound up lasting less than two weeks as he was DFA’d once again and landed with the Mets organization.
Rortvedt first joined the Dodgers at the deadline last year via trade from the Tampa Bay Rays and played in 18 games for the team. He batted .224 with one homer and four RBI while helping Dodgers starting pitchers post an MLB-best 2.17 ERA in the month of September.
Rortvedt then appeared in four playoff games, recording a 1.071 OPS with one double and one RBI. Rortvedt’s return to the organization comes with Smith still at least three weeks away from being in position to get activated and one day after Dalton Rushing was scratched from the lineup due to arm irritation.
McDermott was designated for assignment on July 31 as part of bullpen shuffling.
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