The Los Angeles Dodgers emerged as clear winners of the 2026 MLB trade deadline, but it hasn’t been rosy for the two-time defending World Series champions of late.
After dropping their fifth game in a row in a 5-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Ill., the Dodgers provided a concerning update on catcher Dalton Rushing’s injury.
Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said that Rushing has a “slight” UCL tear, via Jack Harris of the California Post.
The Dodgers put Rushing on the injured list on Monday, but it was not until Tuesday that the team revealed the exact nature of the backstop’s injury. Given the uncertainty of Rushing’s availability, Los Angeles added depth to its catcher room with trade deadline acquisitions of Ben Rortvedt from the New York Mets and Hunter Feduccia from the Tampa Bay Rays. Rortvedt drew the start in the Cubs game before getting replaced in the eighth frame by Feduccia.
On the season, Rushing is batting.253/.335/.475 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs.
Another Dodgers catcher who’s inactive at the moment is Will Smith, who’s been sidelined since June with a neck injury.
Despite the loss to Chicago, the Dodgers remain on top of the National League West standings with a 9.0-game lead at 69-45.
