Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to discomfort in his right elbow, an injury to the same elbow where he recently tore an ulnar collateral ligament. Rushing was limited to serving as the designated hitter after returning from his initial injury on Tuesday. He was removed from Saturday's lineup after experiencing issues while playing catch.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that Rushing's current issue stems from aggravating the existing injury. "I think it was just more of just pissing it off, to be honest," Roberts said. Rushing will refrain from swinging for a few days before gradually rebuilding his hitting progression. The team plans to evaluate his status after an 11-day period, potentially including a rehab assignment. Roberts does not anticipate that the injury will require Tommy John surgery. "I don’t think so. I think for us and for Dalton, it’s just more of we’ll get through this year, building up the hitting and kind of see where the offseason takes us,” he added.
To fill Rushing's roster spot, the Dodgers recalled catcher Eliezer Alfonzo from Triple-A Oklahoma City. The team now has three catchers on its active roster, including Will Smith and Hunter Feduccia. This depth allows for greater flexibility in managing playing time and offering pinch-hitting options. Smith, a three-time All-Star, was recently activated from the 60-day injured list after missing three months with a cervical disc issue.