The Los Angeles Dodgers are officially without catcher Dalton Rushing for longer than anyone expected, with an MRI revealing a slight tear in his UCL, not just the “right arm irritation” or “elbow strain” that was floated earlier. This is a massive blow, especially since manager Dave Roberts confirmed it’s a tear in his *shoulder*, not just an arm irritation.
That “Arm Irritation” Just Got Real
Okay, so Rushing was already on the injured list for what was downplayed as “right arm irritation,” then a report from Katie Woo mentioned “right elbow strain.” But the latest news? It’s a UCL tear in his shoulder. Ouch. Roberts told AM 570’s David Vassegh that they’re shutting Rushing down from throwing for a few weeks, aiming to avoid surgery. But honestly, who knows if he even comes back this season? And if he does, will he be able to catch, or just pinch hit? Roberts even said, “I don’t think anyone knows how long it’s going to be.” That’s the scariest part, right? It wasn’t one big play either, just the brutal wear and tear catchers deal with. Rushing himself admitted he’s had “bouts of this in the past,” which isn’t exactly reassuring when you hear UCL tear.
The Dodgers’ Catching Situation Is a Mess
Before this news, Rushing was actually doing work, hitting .253 with 12 home runs. He’d gone through a slump but was climbing, really growing into that No. 1 catcher role. We even saw him navigate that public spat with Shohei Ohtani and seemed to come out stronger. But now, all that momentum’s on ice. The good news? Will Smith, their other catcher, should be back in about three weeks. And thankfully, the Dodgers didn’t wait around. They traded for Hunter Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt right before the trade deadline. Roberts flat out said the timing of Rushing’s injury was lucky because it happened “the day before the trade deadline. So… today we’re looking at two new catchers.”
What this means for the Dodgers’ season is a huge question mark. Rushing might still contribute as a pinch hitter if he can get back into a rhythm, but his ability to get behind the plate is up in the air. Let’s just hope Smith doesn’t have any setbacks because the Dodgers are counting on those new faces and his return to keep things rolling.
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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