Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing is still working to return to the field, and despite early pessimism about his return behind the plate, he is set to start throwing progression.
Rushing has a slight tear in his UCL, leaving him unable to perform one of the key duties as a catcher: throwing the ball back to a pitcher and trying to pick off any steal attempts.
Initially, Dave Roberts said that Rushing was unlikely to play catcher for the Dodgers this year, and if he returned, it would be as a pinch hitter, giving them a slugging lefty off the bench.
“I would say it’s very small. I hope I’m wrong,” Roberts said a few weeks ago. “He’s a tough kid, and so for him to go through this speaks a lot. … Certainly a possibility with the time, but we’re certainly trying to keep the bat alive for sure.”
Rushing is working out on the sidelines, keeping his swing going while catching some bullpen sessions.
He has not started a throwing progression yet, but according to Dodgers Beat, he will start soon and plans to catch again at some point in September.
This would be a drastic change of fortune for the Dodgers, who could have an extra roster spot opened up instead of carrying three catchers.
In the background, Will Smith is getting close to heading out on a rehab assignment, which could mean both of the top catcher options would be healthy come the closing stages of the season.
Why the Dodgers need Dalton Rushing back
Rushing is the perfect complement to Will Smith, as a lefty hitter who can be a fiery presence that is balanced out by the calm and collected Smith, who hits from the right-handed side.
Both of them are better hitters than the two current catcher options, Hunter Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt.
Rushing, in fact, was starting to burst out of a mid-season slump after hitting incredibly well at the start of the year.
He is still the backup to Smith, but this season has shown he has adjusted to major league pitching and can punish mistakes with meaningful slugging.
