Overview
- Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Tuesday that Dalton Rushing has a partial tear of the right ulnar collateral ligament and will continue hitting while avoiding throws for roughly four to six weeks.
- The club reacquired Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia before Monday’s trade deadline to provide immediate catching depth and to replace recent minor‑league callups on the active roster.
- The Dodgers have put Rushing on a slow throwing program but have not set a timeline for a full return, leaving his availability for the rest of the regular season and the postseason uncertain.
- Starting catcher Will Smith, sidelined since early June with an inflamed cervical disc, has resumed ramping baseball activities and is expected to be out at least until late August.
- Catcher health directly shapes in‑game handling and postseason roster choices because the position requires frequent, high‑stress throws and game management, so the Dodgers’ deadline moves aim to preserve both catchers’ long‑term availability.