Dodgers Sept. roster expansion comes with surprise injury activations and demotions

The Los Angeles Dodgers have used rosters expanding to mark the returns of catchers Will Smith and Dalton Rushing. Word broke early on Tuesday morning that infielder Alex Freeland was going to be added to the roster as a September call-up, but that buried the lede.

In addition to Freeland being added to the roster, the Dodgers announced that Smith and Rushing have been activated from the IL, in addition to pitcher Justin Wrobleski. In return, the Dodgers optioned outfielder Alek Thomas to Triple-A and designated catcher Ben Rortvedt for assignment.

Will Smith, Dalton Rushing return among flurry of Dodgers rosters moves with September call-ups

In recent weeks, the indication had been that Rushing was going to return to the Dodgers this season. Beyond that, there were signs that he would be able handle catching duties ahead of the playoffs. Rushing is recovering from partially torn UCL, but resumed his throwing program at the end of August, and previously expressed plans to resume catching in September.

Given that the Dodgers have kept Hunter Feduccia on the roster, chances are that Rushing will be viewed as bat off the bench while he continues his recovery. Assuming he is able to return to catching before the end of the season, that will eliminate one playoff roster concern for the Dodgers.

More importantly, Smith is back as the starting catcher. During his five-game minor-league rehab assignment, he collected four hits in 16 plate appearances. He also caught in four of those five games.

The Dodgers have already confirmed that Wrobleski will be pitching out of the bullpen upon his return to the team. Given the nature of Dave Roberts and the front office wanting to make sure the established starters are ready for the playoffs, it wouldn't be out of the question to see Wrobleski get a start or two before the end of the regular season.

After coasting for much of the regular season, it's go time for the Dodgers. That is the indication from these moves. The playoff roster is starting to take shape, and the it's certainly encouraging that Rushing has made an early return from injury. Of course, the biggest question that remains is the status of Shohei Ohtani, and whether or not he will be able to return as a pitcher this season.

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