Story by
Why the Dodgers' two catcher acquisitions at MLB trade deadline were genius
- Story by
- Why the Dodgers' two catcher acquisitions at MLB trade deadline were genius
Why the Dodgers' two catcher acquisitions at MLB trade deadline were genius originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Los Angeles Dodgers lost catcher Dalton Rushing to the injured list on Monday.
Advertisement
It's since been revealed that Rushing has a slight tear in the UCL in his right elbow, which will force him to miss a considerable amount of time.
Regular starter Will Smith remains on the IL for the Dodgers with an inflamed disc in his neck. There's no timetable for the three-time All-Star's return.
With both Rushing and Smith sidelined, the Dodgers will turn to two trade deadline acquisitions to share the catching duties.
The NL West club acquired Ben Rortvedt from the New York Mets and Hunter Feduccia from the Tampa Bay Rays .
Dodgers make smart trades for two catchers
The Athletic's Chad Jennings noted that both Rortvedt and Feduccia have previously spent time with the organization, something that could benefit the Dodgers.
Advertisement
"The Dodgers traded for two different catchers on Monday, and the reason became clear shortly after when Dalton Rushing joined Will Smith on the IL," Jennings wrote.
"The two catchers the Dodgers acquired, Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia, spent some time with the Dodgers last year, which presumably helps them get up to speed now that they're suddenly the team's only options behind the plate," he added.
MORE: Braves get unexpectedly weak grade from ESPN for Lane Thomas trade with Royals
Rortvedt caught 140.1 innings with the Dodgers in 2025.
Feduccia was drafted by Los Angeles in 2018 and played seven games across two seasons with the team from 2024-25.
Advertisement
Trading for a catcher mid-season is a tricky process. They have to learn an entire new pitching staff on the fly. But these guys may have an easier transition.
