Dodgers lose key bench weapon as Dalton Rushing lands back on IL

After being activated from the injured list on Sept. 1 following a partial UCL tear in his right elbow, Dalton Rushing is back on the IL with right elbow discomfort, retroactive to Sept. 5. In a corresponding move, the Los Angeles Dodgers recalled catcher Eliezer Alfonzo from Triple-A.

Rushing experienced a flare-up while throwing before Saturday's game against the Washington Nationals and was scratched from the lineup as the designated hitter.

The injury places additional strain on the Dodgers' bench, as Rushing was to provide a high-upside left-handed power bat.

His return to the 10-day IL takes a left-handed bench bat away from the Dodgers, who hoped to utilize him as a pinch-hitting option. His pop and platoon advantage made his bat valuable in late-game rallies and they unfortunately now lose a solid pinch-hitting option.