Dalton Rushing Reveals Dodgers' Decision on Elbow Surgery

The Los Angeles Dodgers remain without both of their starting catchers as the final month of the season nears.

Will Smith is still sidelined with a neck injury, while Dalton Rushing recently suffered a slightly torn UCL.

There has been speculation that Rushing could be out for the remainder of the season, with him potentially needing surgery.

However, the young catcher has finally discussed his injury, saying that he won't need surgery to repair the tear.

“We came to an agreement that surgery is not necessary," he said to reporters on Tuesday.

Manager Dave Roberts said it was unknown whether Rushing would be able to catch again this season. Even if he's only able to come back as a hitter, he would be of major help to this team since he's a left-handed batter on a very right-handed hitting roster.

However, Rushing said the injury is something he's dealt with in the past, and he hopes it doesn't keep him out as a catcher for the postseason.

“From a structural standpoint, we had a history a little bit of it,” Rushing said. “[The Dodgers] were aware of it. Everyone was aware of it. I think that’s what popped up as of recently on scans and kind of threw up a red flag for some people."

Rushing said the team is focused on rehabbing the muscle inside the forearm. He doesn't currently have a clear timeline to return.

“We’re going to rehab the muscle on the inside of my forearm,” Rushing said. “The details as to timeline, I don’t really have any for you. But at the same time, I can say it feels 10 times better than it did a week ago. And as soon as I can be throwing a baseball, I will be.”

Losing Rushing has forced the Dodgers' hand at the catcher spot, with the team trading for two players at the deadline. Los Angeles acquired Ben Rortvedt from the New York Mets and Hunter Feduccia from the Tampa Bay Rays to bolster the depth.

Both players have experience in the Dodgers system, helping the team reshape the catching tandem until Smith or Rushing can return. But this new update from Rushing is certainly a strong one, giving hope that he can give the team a boost this year.

Until then, it'll be up to Rortvedt and Feduccia to hold down the fort, with Smith still out.

When Can Will Smith Return?

Smith has been out since early June due to a neck injury. The All-Star has suffered multiple setbacks in his recovery, leaving some big questions at the catcher spot for the Dodgers this year.

But the team is hopeful that Smith can return in September, giving himself a chance to ramp up before the playoffs begin. Smith has made some progress recently, but he's back at "square one" when it comes to his recovery, according to manager Dave Roberts.

“Everything keeps moving forward, which is a good thing,” Roberts said last week. “There’s no timeline as far as when he faces pitching, let alone when he goes out on a ]rehab assignment]. Then we’ll have more clarity on a projected date of return, but right now I don’t know.”

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