Dodgers' unpopular roster move after placing Dalton Rushing on IL has a silver lining

Dalton Rushing defied expectations recently by recovering enough from his UCL tear to become a part of the Los Angeles Dodgers' offensive plans for September. This always seemed like too expedited a timeline for Rushing, and now reality appears to be setting in.

According to California Posts's Jack Harris, Rushing's elbow flared up on Saturday during pregame throwing, four days removed from Rushing being activated from the IL. On Sunday, he was placed on the injured list after undergoing imaging. Catcher Eliezer Alfonzo was recalled.

Rushing won't miss the rest of the year, but he will not be able to log reps at catcher. He'll only be able to provide offensive help if they deem him healthy enough to return.

Dodgers ripple effects of Dalton Rushing landing back on the injured list

But this isn't all bad news for the Dodgers. Actually, Rushing heading back to the IL could create a convenient roster opening. Shohei Ohtani is still dealing with a cluster of physical issues, the severity of which can be traced back to the start of the second half. The Dodgers are trying to avoid placing Ohtani on the IL, since doing so would mean a 15-day minimum stint (Ohtani is still listed as a two-way player).

After Rushing hit the IL, there was less of an urgency to make a decision on Ohtani. The Dodgers buy themselves some time with Ohtani to leave him on the roster and see if a few extra days' rest can get him feeling right again.

Dodgers fans mentioned Ryan Ward (already on the 40-man) and James Tibbs III as potential recalls in the above scenario, but the team went with Alfonzo despite the fact Will Smith and Hunter Feduccia are active.

Fans are understandably frustrated. Tibbs has been a star in Triple-A this year, hitting .294/.417/.545 with 28 homers. The Dodgers have been cautious about promoting him (some would say too cautious), but he'd definitely be an exciting left-handed bat to replace Rushing's.

At the very least, the Dodgers can protect Ohtani's availability and send Alonzo down without issue once Andy Pages is ready to return (he's making good progress after suffering a hand fracture two weeks ago). Not to mention, they can also gradually work Smith back into action after a neck injury kept him out for nearly three months. He's just 2-for-17 since getting activated.

And let's say Ohtani does need an IL stint. If that's the case, Rushing's IL placement removes a one-dimensional player and then allows LA to call up Tibbs III, Ryan Ward or Josue De Paula (an unlikely but dream scenario).

Three weeks left. The Dodgers are 2.5 games back of the Brewers for the best record in the NL. Any and all flexbility from this point forward helps them greatly, so let's not rule out a more flashy roster move in the next week or so.

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