Ben Rortvedt has unexpectedly become the Los Angeles Dodgers’ primary catcher as a result of both Will Smith and Dalton Rushing sustaining respective injuries this month.
Rushing has since returned from the injured list, but he remains in a backup role due to Rortvedt’s emergence.
Rortvedt is a glove-first catcher who excels at game-calling and receiving, and that has been evident in his short time with the Dodgers. He has been part of several no-hit bids and pitchers seem to enjoy throwing to him.
Rortvedt has also provided a bit of a boost at the plate as he is hitting .270/.341/.324 with two doubles and three RBI in 14 games.
“Obviously he’s got a lot of experience, and the way he’s helped lead our pitching staff has been awesome,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said of Rortvedt.
“He really has that servant, leadership mentality behind the plate, which is really ingratiating himself with a lot of our pitchers. And obviously, the way they’re throwing the ball has a lot to do with them, but at the same time, they feel so much comfort throwing to him as they’re having that kind of success.”
When the Dodgers acquired Rortvedt in a three-team deal with the Tampa Bay Rays and Cincinnati Reds at the trade deadline, it was with an eye on simply improving their organizational depth at catcher.
They needed a replacement for Hunter Feduccia, who went to the Rays in the same deal, and Rortvedt has more than exceeded expectations thus far.
“We did not expect him to hit .330 or whatever it is. But he’s a good player,” Friedman said of Rortvedt.
“He’s got experience and he really cares about what he does behind the plate. It wasn’t easy for us to trade Feduccia. For us to do it, we needed to get catching depth back, and obviously, at this point, really glad we did.”
Dave Roberts praises Ben Rortvedt
Friedman’s praise for Rortvedt follows similar comments made by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who has been thrilled with the 27-year-old’s contributions.
“Over the moon with the way he’s played,” Roberts said. “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 also spoke fondly of Rortvedt after their most recent game working together.
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