Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing is scheduled for right-elbow surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament. An internal brace procedure could keep him from catching until next July, leaving Los Angeles with a potential backup-catcher shortage behind Will Smith.

By the Numbers
  • About nine months: estimated recovery before Rushing can catch again.
  • .246/.328/.460 with 12 home runs in 253 plate appearances in 2026.
  • 29.2% strikeout rate and 9.1% walk rate.
  • Hunter Feduccia and Eliezer Alfonzo are the Dodgers’ two backup catchers on the 40-man roster.
Yes, But

Rushing may be able to hit before he’s cleared to catch or play another position, and he could return sooner if injuries open a roster spot. But his timeline and playing opportunities remain uncertain until surgery and rehab provide a clearer picture.

State of Play
  • Rushing first went on the injured list around the trade deadline, briefly returned, then managed only eight hitless plate appearances.
  • He was left off the Dodgers’ rosters for both the NL Division Series and NL Championship Series.
  • Will Smith is the starting catcher; he missed three months this summer with a neck issue.
What's Next

Rushing’s recovery and return-to-play schedule will become clearer after surgery. In the meantime, the Dodgers may need to assess their backup-catching options, with Ben Rortvedt having elected minor league free agency.

Bottom Line

Rushing’s surgery creates both a long-term recovery challenge and a roster-planning issue: his bat could return before his catching, while Los Angeles has limited established depth behind Smith.