The Los Angeles Dodgers made a crucial decision regarding catcher Dalton Rushing’s injured right elbow just before their matchup against the Washington Nationals on Sunday. While they deal with Rushing’s situation, the team is trying to delay making a similar choice for Shohei Ohtani, who remains absent from the lineup.
Rushing was placed on the injured list due to discomfort in his right elbow, effective from Sept. 5. To fill the gap, catcher Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. was recalled from the minor leagues for Sunday’s series finale with the Nationals.
Though Rushing had only recently returned from an elbow injury on Sept. 1, he was activated without undergoing a rehab assignment. Despite not being cleared to catch, the Dodgers aimed to use his left-handed batting skills off the bench as he continued his throwing regimen.
“He was doing some early throwing today, and it just kind of flared up,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained on Saturday. “I think we’ll kind of put a pin in throwing for now… I still believe that hitting is on the table. We’ll just see how it feels tomorrow.”
This plan fell apart quickly, lasting only five plate appearances. Rushing went hitless, going 0 for 4 with three strikeouts, and was struck by a pitch before experiencing another flare-up in his elbow. Consequently, he was removed from the lineup shortly before the game commenced.
Rushing initially had a diagnosis of a slightly torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The Dodgers had intended to halt his throwing for four to six weeks, allowing him to progress as a hitter. The recent setback has put his return timeline on hold.
Meanwhile, the timing is significant as the Dodgers face uncertainty around Ohtani, who has missed four straight games ahead of Sunday’s matchup against Washington. Ohtani was absent from the lineup again, yet no injured list decree has been made for him.
Multiple injuries have sidelined Ohtani, but the Dodgers haven’t reached the same roster decision as with Rushing. His absence has necessitated lineup adjustments during this crucial part of the season.
Manager Dave Roberts stated before Sunday’s game that they plan to give Ohtani one more day before bringing him back as designated hitter.
With Rushing out and Ohtani still unavailable, the Dodgers faced Sunday’s game attempting to conclude a three-game sweep of the Nationals. Will Smith was set to catch, supplemented by Alfonzo for added depth at the position.
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