Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing is undergoing right elbow surgery today, according to a new report, to address a lingering injury.
Dalton Rushing decides on surgery
LA Times reporter Maddie Lee reported that Rushing is undergoing a “hybrid internal brace procedure” on Wednesday, October 21st.
He is expected to miss nine months of catching duties, though he could start hitting sooner. Rushing is hoping to be hitting by the start of the 2027 season.
As a slugger with a good eye, Rushing can offer something at the plate in the meantime.
Rushing failed to make the postseason roster, losing his spot to Josue De Paula, who emerged as a great designated hitter and got the nod.
Despite two injured list placements, Rushing hasn’t been able to throw since early August, leaving him essentially as a designated hitter for all intents and purposes.
Arguably, he should have had surgery earlier to speed up his recovery, but Rushing wanted to push as a hitter to make the postseason roster, and the Dodgers encouraged him to do so.
“Just showing them that I can swing it, and it’s an option,” Rushing told The LA Times after a September batting practice.
“I know that you kind of tie [the team’s] hands up when you can’t play defense. So, I’m not expecting anything… just continue to take at-bats and see where we go from there.”
Rushing’s injury timeline
The catcher suffered right elbow inflammation and irritation that landed him on the injured list in early August.
He returned in early September, pinch-hit in four at-bats, then returned to the injured list after his throwing program set him back.
With a full-on procedure to address it, the hope is that Rushing has put elbow troubles behind him.
Rushing’s inability to catch limits the team and forces them to essentially carry three catchers, but he will be allowed to get his swing going as he resumes catching duties.
One Response
Suppost to have that procedire early Sept. Another bad managerment of the situation.