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2mo ago

Dodgers’ Catching Corps Holds Together as Smith Progresses and Rushing Avoids Surgery

A rehab-first plan preserves depth and forces lineup decisions for the late season.

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Baseball player celebrating on the field, Image 2 shows Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith holding a baseball in his left hand and another in his mitt
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Jul 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (68) circles the bases after hitting a three-run home run at the bottom of the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium versus the Seattle Mariners. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Manager Dave Roberts said Will Smith is 'pain free' and entering a key rehab week while still on the 60-day injured list.
  • Dalton Rushing disclosed a slight UCL tear and told reporters Monday he and team doctors do not plan immediate surgery and will focus on rehabbing the muscles around the ligament.
  • Roberts has ordered a four- to six-week throwing shutdown for Rushing, who may return as a hitter or pinch hitter before he can resume catching duties.
  • The Dodgers added Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia at the Aug. 3 trade deadline to cover the position and provide defensive depth while Smith and Rushing recover.
  • If the non-surgical path works the team keeps a valuable left-handed bat available and preserves postseason options, but the catching role and late-season lineup will depend on how quickly each player's throwing progress continues.