Dodgers get lucky with recent DFAs and maintain formidable depth

At the beginning of the month, the Los Angeles Dodgers designated third-string catcher Ben Rortvedt for assignment in order to make room for Dalton Rushing's surprise return from the IL. It was the third, maybe even fourth, time they had sent him out on waivers since he was acquired in the Dodgers' three-team trade with the Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays last year.

Former Arizona Diamondbacks top prospect Alek Thomas followed just a few days later, when the Dodgers activated Bobby Miller from the 60-day IL and promoted him for his first appearance in the majors since August 2024.

During their short stints in LA, both Rortvedt and Thomas were completely respectable stopgaps. On another team, their performances might've given them some extra runway and a chance to at least end the season on a major league roster. The Dodgers just don't have the roster space.

The Rortvedt DFA, in particular, looked deeply foolish as soon as the Dodgers course-corrected and put Rushing back on the IL with elbow discomfort. They called up Eliezer Alfonzo in his stead, despite already having two catchers on the active roster.

We might soon see Rortvedt again, though. The Oklahoma City Comets announcer and communications director Alex Freedman reported Tuesday that both both he and Thomas had cleared waivers and accepted assignments to OKC.

Dodgers get Ben Rortvedt, Alek Thomas back after early September DFAs

Thomas might not be a factor for the rest of the season, given that Andy Pages is making good progress coming back from a hand injury. Having Rortvedt back at some point during the regular season is more likely, even with the little time remaining. Rushing's overall status is still up in the air, but it's clear he won't catch again this season.

With Will Smith back, the Dodgers have their veteran anchor, and Hunter Feduccia has been a solid contributor since LA took him back from the Rays. But their decision to recall Alfonzo, also a catcher, is curious, and if he doesn't contribute quickly while Rushing lingers on the IL, it might be Rortvedt's time (again).

The Dodgers shouldn't have pushed Rushing's return so soon. If they hadn't, maybe they would've avoided all of this needless shuffle. In all likelihood, Rortvedt is going to end up DFA'd by the Dodgers again, even if it's not this year. That's just baseball, but it's hard not to feel bad for the poor guy.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow