Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing has a “slightly torn UCL” in his right elbow, manager Dave Roberts confirmed Tuesday. The severity of the injury leaves the timeline for Rushing’s return to action unclear.
Roberts stated in a radio interview with AM570 that Rushing will continue hitting but will undergo a "slow program with the throwing." It remains uncertain how this will affect his availability for the remainder of the season and any potential postseason play.
The injury diagnosis comes shortly after Rushing was scratched from the Dodgers’ lineup on Sunday due to arm pain experienced during pregame warmups. The timing of the injury, however, occurred just before the league’s trade deadline on Monday.
This development adds to the Dodgers’ catching depth concerns, as starting catcher Will Smith has been sidelined since early June with an inflamed disc in his neck. Smith has begun ramping up baseball activities and is expected to return during the final stretch of the season after his injury has become pain-free.
In response to Rushing’s injury and Smith’s continued absence, the Dodgers acquired two catchers in Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia before the trade deadline. Both players were added to the active roster prior to Tuesday's game, replacing minor-league call-ups Eliezer Alfonzo and Chuckie Robinson. The team hopes Rushing can return to serve as Smith’s backup for the postseason, but these acquisitions provide crucial insurance at the position regardless.