Ben Rortvedt has been thrust into a larger role with the Los Angeles Dodgers this month as a result of Will Smith and Dalton Rushing both spending time on the 10-day injured list.
Rortvedt, who was acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline as organizational depth, has received regular playing time behind the plate during a crucial part of the season.
Rortvedt has unexpectedly provided a boost with his bat while also excelling at game-calling and receiving. He’s batting .294/.368/.353 with two doubles and three RBI in 13 games, and also has been part of several no-bit bids over the last two weeks.
“Over the moon with the way he’s played,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Rortvedt. “He’s certainly a glove-first guy, but how he’s transitioned, assimilated with our guys and build trust with the pitchers is remarkable in such a short time.
“And what he’s done by the plate, it’s not lost on anyone. It’s not a coincidence the way he catches it, the calling of the game, and then the at-bat quality. Every at-bat is a good at-bat. And he’s gotten some big hits for us, some big walks, he can lay down a bunt if we need it.
“So for a guy to fill in for Will, an All-Star catcher, he has been more than a pleasant surprise. He’s been hugely additive.”
Blake Snell praises Ben Rortvedt
Rortvedt caught Blake Snell in the Dodgers’ 5-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, which saw the left-hander allow just two hits over seven scoreless innings.
“It was me, but it’s us,” Snell answered when asked who was calling pitches between the two. “We talk, we learn each other, learn swings from batters, what we’re feeling. Just go over it and we’re learning each other.
“For him being new to the team, he’s just had a really good energy and want being back there. He’s been very clutch for us offensively, very clutch defensively.
“I just attribute it to how much he wants to catch and how much he wants to be back there. His excitement, energy, it’s contagious, because pitchers have been pitching really good.”
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