Los Angeles Dodgers players Dalton Rushing and Will Klein are both optimistic about avoiding surgery and potentially returning to play this season, despite initial concerns that their injuries could be season-ending.
Rushing, the backup catcher, suffered a slight tear to his ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. He expressed hope of returning for the final weeks of the season and indicated that surgery is not necessary after medical evaluations. While his elbow injury prevents him from catching for now, he has resumed swinging a bat and is focused on regaining arm strength.
Mana g ger Dave Roberts had previously stated that Rushing would be shut down from throwing for four to six weeks and that his chances of catching again this year were "very small." However, Rushing feels his elbow has improved significantly and is eager to begin a throwing progression to test his arm.
If Rushing cannot return to catching, he could still provide a left-handed bat off the bench for the Dodgers. The team added two other catchers at the trade deadline and remains confident in Will Smith's eventual return from his neck injury.
Klein, a right-handed reliever, is dealing with bone spurs and loose bodies in his elbow. He also expressed a strong desire to pitch again this year. Typically, such injuries require a cleanup procedure that would likely sideline a player for the remainder of the season.
Since going on the injured list in early August, Klein reported that his arm is feeling "a lot better," with inflammation subsiding. He is preparing to start a plyoball throwing program in the coming days. Klein acknowledged the injury may have impacted his ability to finish throws cleanly, affecting the "snap" that was present earlier in the season.
Both players are working to let their injuries heal and aim to rejoin the team's roster. Roberts stated he was "hoping" for Klein's return but stopped short of expressing certainty. With at least two months of the regular season remaining, both Rushing and Klein are focused on making a comeback.