For months, Los Angeles Dodgers fans have called for the team to bring back a popular backup catcher.
On Monday morning, the team listened and pulled the trigger on bringing Ben Rortvedt back to LA.
The trade was first reported by Aram Leighton of Just Baseball.
Why the Dodgers are bringing in another catcher
Given the lingering neck injury starting catcher Will Smith has been dealing with more months now, Dalton Rushing has gotten the bulk of the time behind the plate.
Backup catcher, though, has been more of a problem, and it’s even more important as Rushing is dealing with arm irritation.
Chuckie Robinson failed to catch on with the team, and Eliézer Alfonzo Jr. is slashing only .167/.167/.250/.417 in his 11 games.
Now, the Dodgers are bringing back Rortvedt, a fan favorite from last year’s championship team, in a trade with the New York Mets.
Rortvedt has spent this season thus far in the Mets’ minor league system, though it seems like the Dodgers are bringing him in with an eye toward playing time in the big leagues.
In bringing back Rortvedt — this will be his third stint with the team — the Dodgers are giving up pitcher Chayce McDermott, who’d been designated for assignment last week.
McDermott was acquired by the Dodgers earlier this season in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles. That transaction sent pitcher Axel Perez to Baltimore.
What does Ben Rortvedt bring to the Dodgers?
Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic pointed out that Rortvedt might not play immediately, but he adds certainty amid the rash of injuries to the team’s catchers.
“The Dodgers do not have to add Rortvedt to their 40-man right away, but gain insurance – and familiarity – with the catcher who assumed everyday duties for them last September while Smith dealt with a broken hand,” Ardaya wrote.
That familiarity with the Dodgers will help the 28-year-old catcher acclimate more quickly than he was able to do at last year’s trade deadline.
“That adjustment period should be more abbreviated this time around,” Ardaya wrote.
Are you happy to see Ben Rortvedt back with the Dodgers?
9 Responses
I want the Dodgers to start playing like they did last year
Frank your memory is flawed. If they played like they did up to this point last season they would be 65-47….not 69-43. Four games worse than this season. You seem to forget they had all the injuries and some stinky stretches last year that were even worse. Blew Yamamotos no hitter in ninth against the Orioles and had some epic bullpen melt downs. Remember that dismal 7 game losing streak just before the all star break. So soon we forget….
Dodgers are being negligent not to bring in two strong middle relievers. The middle inning relievers have been a disaster since the end of May. Need to make some moves today.
I agree 100% with Michelle. The relief pitching has been a disaster. Allowing home runs with runners on base, walking batters one after another, hitting batters ,wild pitches ,Etc etc.
You should of brought back Austin Barnes
I dont disagree, maybe bring back Kenley Jansen
I think Rortvedt is a reasonable option for the catcher problem. As I recall he filled in well last year.
I just hope the Dodgers and their manager start playing with some fire and inspiration. The Red Sox certainly don’t think chasing a win in July/early August is irresponsible! Those guys were inspired and played to win.
We don’t need Barns or Jansen. I was so happy to see Jansen go bye bye. After the catching performance yesterday, Rorvedt is just what the Dodgers need!
Rorvedt is redundant of Rushing with worst stats. I just wished they got a RH hitting catcher to platoon with Rushing. The opposition are going to throw only lefties to a heavy lefty hitting Dodgers. There were a couple RH or switch-hitting prominent catchers that went or mentioned in the trade market. Plus Allanna Rizzo wasn’t too impressed with Rorvedt.