Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing, who suffered a slight UCL tear that left him unable to throw, is now set to begin throwing progression after initial pessimism about his return to the field. For weeks, the talk was all about Rushing being sidelined from catching, with manager Dave Roberts even saying it was “very small” he’d play catcher this year. But guess what? The kid’s got other plans, and it looks like the Dodgers might get a massive boost when they least expected it.
From “Very Small” Chances to Catching in September?
Remember when Dave Roberts practically wrote off Rushing’s chances of *catching* this season? “I would say it’s very small. I hope I’m wrong,” Roberts admitted just a few weeks ago, even floating the idea of Rushing returning only as a pinch hitter to keep his “bat alive” for that much-needed slugging lefty off the bench. A slight tear in your UCL is no joke, especially when your main job as a catcher is to fire the ball back to the pitcher and nail would-be base stealers. That’s *the* job. For weeks, Rushing has been grinding on the sidelines, keeping his swing sharp and even catching some bullpen sessions. But the big hurdle, throwing, was still ahead, right? Now, according to Dodgers Beat, that’s all changing. Rushing will start his throwing progression soon, and the goal is to be back behind the plate at some point in September. Talk about flipping the script from Roberts’ original outlook!
Why Rushing Is The Piece The Dodgers Desperately Need
This potential return isn’t just good news, it’s a game-changer that could drastically alter the Dodgers’ roster dynamics. Think about it: a healthy Rushing could open up an extra roster spot instead of carrying three catchers. That’s huge for flexibility late in the season. With Will Smith also nearing a rehab assignment, the Dodgers could soon find themselves with *both* of their top catcher options healthy and ready to roll for the closing stages of the season. And let’s be real, Rushing is no ordinary backup; he’s the perfect complement to Will Smith. Smith’s calm, right-handed approach gets a fiery left-handed bat next to it, creating a truly balanced catching duo. Both Rushing and Smith are significantly better hitters than the current options, Hunter Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt. Rushing was absolutely tearing it up at the start of the year, even bursting out of a mid-season slump before his injury. He’s proven he’s adjusted to major league pitching and can absolutely punish mistakes with meaningful slugging. The guy just knows how to hit, plain and simple.
This kid’s sheer determination is absolutely unreal, defying expectations after a brutal UCL setback. Getting him back behind the plate would be a massive shot in the arm for the Dodgers, adding serious firepower and flexibility when they need it most. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on his throwing progression; a healthy Dalton Rushing playing catcher in September could be the unexpected boost that changes their late-season look entirely!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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