Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing is hopeful he can avoid surgery for a "slightly torn UCL" in his right throwing arm, a condition that has kept him out of games since August 1. While the severity of a torn UCL typically necessitates surgery and a lengthy recovery for pitchers, Rushing believes his situation may differ.
"I don’t have to go lay on a table and get my arm cut open. That’s a good thing. That’s where we’re at right now," Rushing said, per The Athletic. He indicated that doctors are "not worried about anything structurally right now," which fuels his optimism.
For position players like Rushing, the impact of a torn UCL can be managed differently than for pitchers. Their reliance on throwing for velocity is less critical, potentially allowing them to play through the injury or postpone surgery. The Dodgers, however, could benefit from Rushing’s return as starting catcher Will Smith remains on the 60-day injured list with a neck issue.
Despite recent struggles, losing eight of their last 10 games, the Dodgers maintain a 7.5-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West standings.