Dalton Rushing offers optimistic update on timeline to return to Dodgers

Recovering from a partial UCL tear, Dalton Rushing never appeared to be in jeopardy of being sidelined throughout the postseason. At most, the expectation was that Rushing could be an extra bat off the bench for the Los Angeles Dodgers down the stretch. As it turns out, however, he could be full-go by the time October rolls around.

Speaking with the team at Dodgers Beat, Rushing offered an encouraging update, suggesting that he could return to catching as soon as September. He also indicated that he will resume throwing in the near future.

Dalton Rushing sounds optimistic as Dodgers return starts coming into focus

One of the biggest questions facing the Dodgers roster ahead of the final month of the regular season is catcher. Will Smith has taken steps forward in his recovery from a neck injury, and if all goes well with his workouts this weekend, he could begin a minor-league rehab assignment next week.

Smith hasn't played since June 5, so it's fair to say that he may have an extended assignment before returning to the big-league club. Regardless, the expectation is that Smith will be in place as LA's catcher before October.

When mapping out the Dodgers' postseason roster, the intrigue starts with Rushing. While he's having a strong offensive season, posting a 123 wRC+ across 245 plate appearances, if he can't catch, there's a clear argument to leaving him off the roster.

Carrying three catchers would limit the flexibility of the Dodgers' bench, and Rushing almost certainly will not be taking at-bats away from Shohei Ohtani as the team's designated hitter. Perhaps the Dodgers could get by with three catchers in a potential Wild Card Series, but beyond, it would feel like a waste of a roster spot.

Hitting was never going to be the problem for Rushing. It's a question of his ability catch. His latest update is certainly a good sign, but tangible action is needed.

In the absence of Smith and Rushing, the Dodgers acted swiftly at the trade deadline to bolster their catching depth. They reunited with familiar faces in Hunter Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt before the August 3 deadline passed.

Feduccia has emerged as the interim starting catcher between the two, and while both have value due to their familiarity with the pitching staff, it would best if the Dodgers are in a position where neither is with the team during the postseason.

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