The Los Angeles Dodgers don’t have any significant roster needs as the MLB trade deadline looms on 3 p.m. PT, but they reportedly are among the teams somewhat involved in the market for a catcher.
Will Smith has resumed baseball activities after being out since June 5 due to an inflamed disc in his neck, but he remains at least three weeks away from returning. That’s thrust Dalton Rushing into the starting role and also resulted in the Dodgers not having a high-quality backup.
Dalton Rushing’s injury
Rushing was a late scratch from the lineup on Sunday night due to what the Dodgers described as minor arm irritation. They did not specify it is in Rushing’s throwing arm or his left.
Rushing’s removal from the lineup came well after president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts spoke with media.
Eliezer Alfonzo was inserted into the lineup in place of Rushing for the series finale against the Red Sox. When counting Rushing as well, Alfonzo is the third backup catcher who has spent time on the Dodgers roster this season.
When Smith was put on the 10-day injured list June 11, the Dodgers called up Chuckie Robinson. He struggled mightily offensively and was ultimately replaced by Alfonzo on July 4.
Rushing’s expanded role this season has not come without some growing pains, which at times have been self-inflicted. He most notably was not on the same page as Shohei Ohtani during a game against the Minnesota Twins, and it led to Roberts and Freddie Freeman being among those to seek out Rushing to give him advice.
Rushing then took accountability for the lack of chemistry and vowed to improve.
What hasn’t been an issue for the 25-year-old is offensive production. Rushing is batting .253/.335/.475 with 12 doubles, 12 home runs, 36 RBI and a 123 wRC+.
Although the initial sentiment shared by the team is Rushing does not have a serious injury, the issue could nevertheless further motivate the Dodgers to acquire a catcher before the trade deadline passes. Friedman admitted the team remains active in discussions after acquiring Tarik Skubal, but he said there wasn’t a high likelihood of adding to their big league roster.
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