Full Breakdown
Dalton Rushing’s Elbow Setback Sends Dodgers Back to the Bench
9/7/2026, 3:56:39 AM
Core Event: Rushing Placed on 10-Day IL, Alfonzo Recalled
The Los Angeles Dodgers placed catcher Dalton Rushing on the 10-day injured list with right-elbow discomfort, retroactive to September 5. The move triggered the recall of catcher Eliezer Alfonzo from Triple-A Oklahoma City, giving the club three active catchers for the remainder of the season.
Background & Context
Rushing had suffered a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow earlier in the month. After a four-week stint on the injured list, he returned without a rehab assignment as a left-handed pinch-hitting option. He appeared in four games, making five plate appearances (0-for-4 with three strikeouts and a hit-by-pitch) before a flare-up during pre-game throwing forced his removal from the lineup as the designated hitter.
Data & Statistics
- Dalton Rushing (2026): 78 games, .249 average, 12 HR, 36 RBI. Since his activation, he is 0-for-4.
- Eliezer Alfonzo: In 12 MLB games this season, he is 5-for-27 (.185) with four RBI and a .444 OPS. At Triple-A he posted a .302/.378/.409 line with two homers, 25 RBI and a .787 OPS.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Dave Roberts explained that Rushing will not resume catching this season and that the focus will shift to rebuilding his hitting. Roberts indicated the club will “pin” throwing for the time being and monitor Rushing’s elbow with imaging before deciding on any further action. He also noted that the roster adjustment allows left-handed prospect Hunter Feduccia to be used as a pinch-hitter when not starting, and frees veteran Will Smith for bench-hitting duties.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I still think it’s unlikely but we’re still going through the process and I hope I’m wrong,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “For us, for Dalton, it’s more we’ll get through this year, building up the hitting, then kind of see where the offseason takes us,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
Impact on Roster and Bench Strategy
Rushing’s left-handed bat had been valued for its pop and platoon advantage in late-game situations. His loss reduces the Dodgers’ pinch-hitting depth, prompting a shift in how the club deploys Feduccia and Smith as left-handed options. Alfonzo’s recall adds a defensive backup but does not replace Rushing’s offensive profile. The team now relies on a three-catcher depth chart (Smith, Feduccia, Alfonzo) while navigating the remainder of the schedule.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the earliest date Rushing could return. The roster move was back-dated to September 5, making September 15 the scheduled earliest re-activation date, yet Roberts referenced an “11-day” window for a potential rehab assignment, suggesting a return as early as early October. Additionally, some outlets described Rushing’s catching future as “unlikely,” while others said it was “officially ruled out,” leaving his defensive role for the season ambiguous.
What’s Next
The club will obtain imaging results in the coming days and evaluate Rushing’s progress. If the elbow holds, a rehab assignment could begin after the 11-day period mentioned by Roberts, with the earliest official activation not before September 15. The Dodgers will continue to adjust their bench lineup to compensate for the loss of a left-handed power bat as the regular season concludes.
