Dalton Rushing injury update has Dodgers trade deadline plan making a whole lot more sense

Sure, the Los Angeles Dodgers got Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline, but the rest of their moves were defined by adding depth. Perhaps the most curious decision from Andrew Friedman and Co. was to add not one, but two catchers to their mix.

The Dodgers reunited with both Hunter Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt. Given the uncertainty surrounding Will Smith's status, there was a common belief that the Dodgers would look to add a catcher at the deadline, but adding two didn't really have any rhyme or reason to it.

Well, as it turns out, the Dodgers have yet another injury on their hands. After their 5-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs in Tarik Skubal's debut, Dave Roberts confirmed some troubling news for Dalton Rushing. The Dodgers backstop was placed on the 10-day IL with elbow inflammation, but further testing confirmed the young catcher is recovering from a slight tear in his UCL.

Rushing is expected back this season, and the injury hasn't prevented him from taking swings, but he's been shut down from throwing for the next four-to-six weeks. That casts serious doubt that Rushing will be catching again this season.

Dalton Rushing's update suddenly validates sprint for catching depth at the trade deadline

Even if Rushing doesn't resume catching duties this season, the Dodgers shouldn't be in a dire spot by the time the postseason starts. There hasn't been a clear update on when exactly the team is planning to have Smith return from his neck injury, but the expectation has always been that it will be before October. Scanning the Dodgers' injury log, Smith has resumed baseball activity, and in the early steps of his hitting progression.

Nonetheless, with Rushing's status as a catcher now in question, it makes sense why LA felt compelled to add two catchers before the deadline. Specifically, two catchers that already have experience with the organization and pitching staff. Suddenly, each move has much needed context moving forward.

Of course, depending on Rushing's recovery, the Dodgers could be in a position where they have to carry a third catcher on their roster during the postseason. Rortvedt got the start on Tuesday night, and the indication is that he will carry the primary duties during the absences of Smith and Rushing.

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