Dalton Rushing’s Season in Doubt After Dodgers Injury Reveal

The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without Dalton Rushing longer than expected after an MRI revealed a slight tear in his UCL.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Rushing is on the injured list due to what was described as right arm irritation, but it is, in fact, a tear in his shoulder.

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According to manager Dave Roberts, in an interview with AM 570’s David Vassegh, the Dodgers will be shutting Rushing down from throwing for a few weeks before seeing where he is.

class="wp-block-paragraph">The team is hopeful that he will avoid surgery, though it is unclear whether he will return this season and, if he does, whether he will be a pinch hitter or able to catch behind the dish.

Jun 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesRushing is set to continue his hitting program as he tries to return, but he will not be throwing for at least 4-6 weeks, per Roberts.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Earlier today, Rushing reportedly had only right elbow strain, per a report from the Athletic’s Katie Woo, but further damage was seemingly found.

class="wp-block-paragraph">The injury to Rushing did not come on a specific play, but rather, it happened as part of the wear that catchers can incur.

class="wp-block-paragraph">“There was no one incident,” Roberts said. “Dalton said that he’s had bouts of this in the past. So that’s, I guess, a good thing that he’s dealt with it. But I don’t think anyone knows how long it’s going to be.”

Jun 27, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (68) is welcomed into the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn ImagesWhat will the Dodgers do without Dalton Rushing?The Dodgers, by all accounts, will get Will Smith back at some point this season, with another three weeks looking like the realistic timeline.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Additionally, LA traded for Hunter Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt before the trade deadline as Rushing’s injury emerged.

class="wp-block-paragraph">“Don’t know what that looks like for the rest of the season and throughout the postseason,” Roberts said on Rushing’s injury outlook.

class="wp-block-paragraph">“Fortunately, it happened the day before the trade deadline. So… today we’re looking at two new catchers.”

class="wp-block-paragraph">Still, Rushing was hitting well, with a .253 batting average and 12 home runs, which was on a steady climb after a slump period.

class="wp-block-paragraph">He was starting to grow into his role as the No. 1 catcher after taking some lessons from the season, including his public spat with Shohei Ohtani.

class="wp-block-paragraph">However, things will go on ice for Rushing, who can still have an impact as a pinch hitter if given the chance to get back into a rhythm.

class="wp-block-paragraph">His work behind the plate remains a big question, and it will be even more important if Will Smith suffers any kind of setback.

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