The Los Angeles Dodgers earned a second consecutive win over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Tuesday, but it wasn’t without some concern as Hunter Feduccia took himself out of the game after becoming ill in the bottom of the seventh inning.
The backstop rushed off the field with one out in the frame and reportedly vomited while walking down the Dodgers’ dugout stairs.
“I think we’re just trying to hydrate him. He’s got this stomach bug or food poisoning, something like that,” manager Dave Roberts said on SportsNet LA. “He was scuffling all game and went as long as he could go. He’ll be down [Wednesday] but he gave us a great effort.”
Feduccia went 0-for-1 with a pair of walks prior to his early exit. It was his second consecutive start behind the plate and fourth in the last five days.
Ben Rortvedt caught the final eight outs and is set to start Wednesday’s series finale against the Rockies. With an off day on Thursday, Feduccia could possibly be back in the lineup when the Dodgers host the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend.
The 29-year-old has taken on an expanded role since being reacquired by L.A. at the MLB trade deadline. He has started at catcher in nine of the team’s last 13 games as they navigate injuries to Will Smith and Dalton Rushing.
Feduccia is hitting .222/.323/.370 with a double and home run in his second stint with the Dodgers. He batted .234/.306/.340 with 10 extra-base hits and 12 RBI in 60 games for the Tampa Bay Rays to begin the season.
Hunter Feduccia helping Dodgers’ catching situation
The Dodgers have relied on the catching tandem of Feduccia and Rortvedt this month, but are counting down the days until Smith returns from his lengthy absence due to a neck injury.
The three-time All-Star took batting practice on the field last Friday for the first time since landing on the injured list and is expected to face live pitching this week. If all goes well, he could potentially begin a rehab assignment next week.
The expectation is that Smith will return to the Dodgers when active rosters expand on Sept. 1. Because their 40-man roster is full, the team will need to make a move when Smith is ready to be activated.
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