Having already gone two months without Will Smith because of an inflamed disc in his neck, the Los Angeles Dodgers now are facing an extended absence with Dalton Rushing.
Rushing was a late scratch from the lineup on Sunday due to what the team announced as minor arm irritation. However, Rushing did not join the Dodgers for the start of their road trip and underwent an MRI on his ailing right elbow on Monday.
The results of which revealed a “slight tear” in the ulnar collateral ligament.
Dalton Rushing’s injury outlook
“I think it’s just kind of shut down the throwing for four to six weeks,” manager Dave Roberts said on SportsNet LA. “There’s a rest period for just the activity, and then kind of try to resume hitting and try to keep the bat alive all the while seeing how the arm feels, the elbow feels. So that’s one piece.”
Roberts then was asked if the Dodgers believe Rushing can return to catching at some point during the 2026 season.
“Personally, I would say it’s very small,” Roberts answered. “I hope I’m wrong. He’s a tough kid, so for him to go through this, speaks a lot. I think that would be great if he can. It’s certainly a possibility with the time, but we’re certainly trying to keep the bat alive.”
Although a seemingly best-case scenario for Rushing this year is as an option to pinch-hit, Roberts believes the limited role could still be beneficial for the Dodgers.
“Just looking at the roster, having a potential left-handed bat could be really helpful,” he said.
In the meantime, Rushing is looking to avoid Tommy John surgery. But a potential operation has not been ruled out and could become necessary if his elbow does not respond favorably to treatment over the next two weeks.
Prior to learning the full extent of Rushing’s elbow injury, the Dodgers reunited with Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia through respective trades with the New York Mets and Tampa Bay Rays. Feduccia was included in a trade with the Rays last season that sent Rortvedt to the Dodgers.
Rortvedt is now taking on the primary starting catching role until Smith is ready to return, which might not be until September.
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