Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing dealing with 'partially torn UCL,' status unclear as postseason nears
· Yahoo Sports
There's a reason the Los Angeles Dodgers were so aggressive in their pursuit of two catchers at the trade deadline. Turns out, breakout Dalton Rushing is dealing with a "partially torn UCL," potentially putting the rest of his season and postseason in jeopardy, manager Dave Roberts confirmed in a radio interview Tuesday.
Roberts said the team discovered Rushing's injury a day before the trade deadline, leading to the Dodgers picking up both Hunter Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt on Monday. Rortvedt was thrust into action immediately, catching Tarik Skubal's first start with the team Tuesday. Feduccia, however, did make an appearance during the contest.
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Both players will need to play a significant role for the team down the stretch, as the Dodgers' other starting option at catcher, Will Smith, has been sidelined since June with a neck injury.
Smith, however, is working his way back and is expected to return before the end of the regular season.
Prior to the injury, Rushing was in the midst of a breakout season. With Smith down, Rushing proved to be more than an adequate replacement, slashing .253/.335/.475, with 12 home runs, over 74 games.
Feduccia and Rortvedt are unlikely to replace Rushing's performance at the plate. Neither player is known for their offensive prowess, with both excelling on defense.
Without Rushing and Smith, the Dodgers should be more than fine at the plate. Shohei Ohtani, Andy Pages and Freddie Freeman are all capable of carrying the team, and star offseason acquisition Kyle Tucker is finally showing signs of settling in.
Once Smith is back, the Dodgers should be a fully-operational juggernaut. Rushing's injury — and potential absence down the stretch and in the postseason — will hurt, but the Dodgers are more than equipped to handle a momentary absence from one of their breakout stars.