Dodgers Catcher Rushing Lands Back on Injured List

Dalton Rushing‘s attempt to work his way back into the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ catching plans has hit another roadblock.

The Dodgers placed Rushing on the 10-day Injured List before Sunday’s series finale against the Washington Nationals, five days after he had returned to the active roster. The move was backdated to Saturday after Rushing experienced discomfort in his right elbow while going through a throwing session.

The setback effectively ends the Dodgers’ hopes of having Rushing return behind the plate this season. However, the organization has not ruled out the possibility of using him exclusively as a hitter once he is healthy enough to resume baseball activities.

That distinction could still make Rushing useful down the stretch, particularly as Los Angeles manages its roster heading into the postseason.

Rushing has been dealing with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow since early August. Rather than immediately shutting him down for the remainder of the year, the Dodgers activated him when rosters expanded so he could contribute offensively without being asked to catch.

The organization was also gradually increasing his throwing workload on the side. The hope was that Rushing could eventually progress far enough to resume catching duties, but Saturday’s setback changed those plans.

Rushing had progressed to throwing from approximately 90 to 100 feet when his elbow began bothering him again. Subsequent imaging did not reveal additional damage, providing at least some positive news for the Dodgers.

For now, however, the team will take a more cautious approach. Rushing is expected to step away from swinging for several days before beginning another progression as a hitter. If that process goes well, the Dodgers could eventually send him on a minor-league rehab assignment to get him back into game action.

That timeline leaves the door open for Rushing to contribute at the plate before the end of the season, but there are still plenty of variables that need to be resolved first.

The 25-year-old catcher has provided some promising offensive production during his second season in the majors. Rushing has hit .249 with 12 home runs, 36 RBIs, and a .798 OPS across his time with Los Angeles this year.

His return earlier this month did not produce immediate results, though. Rushing went hitless in five plate appearances after being activated, and he will now have to pause his offensive progression before attempting to build himself back up again.

The Dodgers also have to consider the bigger picture with Rushing’s elbow. Surgery remains a possibility, although the club could potentially wait until the offseason before making a decision. Much will depend on how Rushing responds once he begins swinging and whether he can demonstrate that he can play without further aggravating the injury.

In the meantime, Los Angeles recalled catcher Eliezer Alfonzo from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill the vacant roster spot.

The Dodgers will carry three catchers for now, giving them additional flexibility behind the plate while Rushing works through his latest setback.

For Rushing, the priority is now getting healthy enough to contribute in whatever role remains available. His chances of catching again this season have disappeared, but there is still a path toward returning as an offensive option if his elbow responds well to the next phase of his recovery.

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