Monday, August 3, 2026

Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2026

Dalton Rushing was placed on the IL with a right elbow injury. The Dodgers traded for Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia.

Since the Los Angeles Dodgers placed Will Smith on the IL, they needed to increase their catching depth. Smith signed a ten-year contract just before the 2024 season. At 31, he has dealt with nagging injuries over the last two years. When the irritated disc in his neck first occurred, the Dodgers expected him to be back in a few weeks, but the Dodgers will be lucky if he returns in September.

In Smith’s absence, Rushing has done an excellent job filling in for Smith, proving he is a major league catcher. He has a .253 batting average with 12 home runs and 36 RBI. His game-calling abilities have improved greatly while Smith has been out. Now, he has a right elbow strain, which he has dealt with in the past. He didn’t make the trip to Chicago.

Ben Rortvedt was a Dodger hero last September while Smith was out with a fractured hand and Rushing had a bruised shin.  He was great with the pitchers, something that the Dodgers need. Over the last week, the Dodgers’ pitching staff has struggled. During his time with the Dodgers, he almost caught a no-hitter from Yoshinobu Yamamoto. While his offensive production is not good, he knows how to sacrifice well. Before Mike Piazza came to the major leagues, the catcher’s main responsibilities were handling the pitching staff and playing good defense. Rortvedt will curtail the recent passed balls that have been allowed by the Dodgers’ catchers and will limit the opposing running game. Until either Smith or Rushing returns, Rortvedt will be the primary catcher for the Dodgers.

Feduccia has been in the Dodger organization before and will add catching depth. Over the last year, the Dodgers have had catching injuries, testing the depth. Feduccia gives the Dodgers an insurance policy.

Monday, the Dodgers lost to the Chicago Cubs, 10–5, on a beautiful night at Wrigley Field. On Tuesday, Tarik Skubal will make his Dodger debut against the Cubs as the Dodgers will try to halt their four-game losing streak. The Dodgers demoted Emmet Sheehan, after many disappointing starts, to Oklahoma City to iron out mechanical problems.