Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing is undergoing elbow surgery and will miss nine months.
With him out, newly released free agent Ben Rortvedt may have an opening to return on a minor-league deal.
Rortvedt was outrighted off the 40-man roster in September, and as a player with three or more MLB service time years, he had the right to elect free agency.
After the postseason ended for the Dodgers, he chose exactly that, entering the market to see if he could get another chance.
Aug 9, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Ben Rortvedt against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
However, now that Rushing can't play catcher, keeping Rortvedt around for extra coverage makes sense.
With Rushing gone, Los Angeles has three catchers on the 40-man roster — Will Smith, Hunter Feduccia, and Eliezer Alfonzo.
Will Smith's presence makes the starting catcher question pretty much moot. However, he's missed time for two years now, showing that a catcher's wear and tear can strike at any time.
Smith is still in his physical prime and far from injury-prone, but his position will always leave him vulnerable.
May 14, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feduccia, meanwhile, won the backup-catcher battle at season's end, taking the spot from Rortvedt.
However, Eliezer Alfonzo currently holds the third catcher spot. He has options left on his deal, allowing him to move up and down without as much trouble as someone like Ben Rortvedt, who is out of options.
With Dalton Rushing's timeline now clear, Rortvedt has a decent window to slot in, possibly push Feduccia out, or come in if there's an injury.
Given his familiarity with the pitching staff and how highly regarded he is in the organization, Rortvedt and the Dodgers may be best keeping their union going for a while.
To make room on the 40-man roster, designating Alfonzo for assignment opens a spot at relatively low cost, since the young catcher hasn't gotten much buzz.
In the end, this move may not matter, but as 2025 and 2026 have shown, injuries at catcher come in a hurry.
