Dodgers Face Dalton Rushing Decision After Devastating Injury News

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Dodgers Face Dalton Rushing Decision After Devastating Injury News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joe Najarian | Last updated Aug 5, 2026 1:35 PM ET

What was once a strength for the Los Angeles Dodgers is now a weakness.

Entering the 2026 season, the Dodgers were set to roll with a catching tandem of Will Smith and Dalton Rushing. Although Smith has been on the injured list since June 11 with neck inflammation, Rushing filled in admirably as Los Angeles' starting catcher in his first full MLB season.

But Rushing himself landed on the injured list on Monday with right elbow inflammation, and further tests showed that his ability to catch this season is significantly compromised. An MRI revealed that Rushing has a partial UCL tear, and he will be shut down from throwing for several weeks.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts later said that there is a "very small" chance of the 25-year-old catching another game in 2026. However, he remains hopeful that Rushing can return as a hitter off the bench.

Dave Roberts said he thinks there’s a “very small” chance Dalton Rushing catches again this year. They want to keep him as an option as a left-handed bat, though. https://t.co/kAeiRUwnac
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 5, 2026

Rushing's defensive metrics as a catcher aren't great (-4 fielding runs, per Statcast), but he makes up for this with his production at the plate. In 245 plate appearances, Rushing is hitting .253/.335/.475 with 12 home runs, 36 RBI and a 123 wRC+. He's been much more effective against right-handed pitching (.865 OPS) than against southpaws (.659 OPS); coupled with Shohei Ohtani being the everyday designated hitter, Rushing would effectively be limited to pinch-hitting duties due to his inability to catch.

The Dodgers' Catching Situation Moving Forward

Rushing's injury prompted the Dodgers to acquire two catchers prior to the trade deadline, those being Ben Rortvedt from the New York Mets and Hunter Feduccia from the Tampa Bay Rays. While both of these catchers are weak left-handed hitters, they also had previous stints in the Dodgers organization, with Rortvedt (currently the starting catcher) even filling in for an injured Smith early in the Dodgers' 2025 postseason run.

As for Smith, he has begun ramping up baseball activities lately but will likely not return until September. His numbers haven't been particularly strong in the 52 games he's played (.249/.338/.382, six homers, 102 wRC+), but Smith is still one of MLB's best catchers when healthy, both at the plate and in the field.

Dave Roberts said Will Smith will need at least 3-4 weeks to ramp up, including a rehab assignment.

Other injury news: Blake Treinen faced hitters again today. Next step is a rehab assignment. https://t.co/v2wsOJwu6K
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 1, 2026

Regardless of Rortvedt and Feduccia's past experience with the Dodgers, they are both significant downgrades from Smith and Rushing. But with Rushing's injury likely preventing him from catching again this season, Los Angeles will need to choose between Rortvedt or Feduccia to remain with the team as backup catcher when Smith eventually returns.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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