With Will Smith on the IL and Dalton Rushing still on concussion watch, Los Angeles Dodgers backup catcher Chuckie Robinson appeared in three consecutive major league games from June 21 through June 23. It's the first time he's done that since early September 2024, as a member of the Chicago White Sox.
Going into Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Twins, Robinson was 0-for-12 in a Dodgers uniform with just one appearance in 2025 and four during the 2026 season. Getting the start three days in a row was anything but ideal, but the Dodgers simply don't have better options right now.
The best Los Angeles can ask for at the moment is a healthy body behind the plate and a name to slot into the last spot in the batting order.
However, in the Dodgers' eventual 12-3 rout over the Twins, Robinson actually managed to reach down deep and contribute. He singled in his second at-bat, marking his first major league hit since September 21, 2024, and later went on to score. He picked up another single in the fifth inning, and then his first RBI as a Dodger with a sac bunt in the seventh.
Maybe the Dodgers will be okay with Smith and Rushing after all. (Kidding. Mostly.)
Dodgers catcher Chuckie Robinson picked up his first hit as fans wait on Dalton Rushing
Robinson's not going to turn into a star overnight, but the Dodgers are probably content with just-good-enough. (Though they have managed to make short-term miracles out of similarly unlikely candidates. We miss you, Ben Rortvedt.)
LA just doesn't have any other options right now. Smith, Rushing, and Robinson are the only catchers on the 40-man roster, and that is precious real estate. If things got bad enough, the Dodgers could go out and find a replacement catcher, but it would create a ripple effect on the roster.
Even if Rushing is destined for the IL, the Dodgers are hopeful Smith will be back within the next two weeks (knock on wood). Starting Robinson every single day until one of them is back would be a lot to ask of any catcher, but it's really their only option right now.
The Dodgers know they can't expect a lot out of Robinson apart from just showing up ready to play, but a couple more multi-hit nights while fans wait to hear about Smith and Rushing wouldn't hurt.
