Dodgers Face Lineup Challenges Amid Player Injuries

The Los Angeles Dodgers recently made a strategic move by placing catcher Dalton Rushing on the injured list due to discomfort in his right elbow. This decision comes as the team attempts to delay a similar decision regarding Shohei Ohtani, who remains out of the lineup.

Rushing was added to the injured list retroactively to September 5. His absence necessitated the recall of catcher Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. from the minors before Sunday’s final game against the Washington Nationals.

Rushing had just returned from a previous elbow injury, being activated on September 1 without participating in a rehab assignment. The 25-year-old was not cleared to catch, yet the Dodgers intended to use his left-handed batting ability from the bench while he continued his throwing progression.

However, this plan only lasted five plate appearances. Rushing went hitless in four attempts, striking out three times and being hit by a pitch. He then experienced a flare-up in his elbow while throwing before the game on Saturday, leading to his removal from the lineup before the first pitch.

“He was doing some early throwing today, and it just kind of flared up,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on Saturday. “I think we’ll kind of put a pin in throwing for now. I still believe that hitting is on the table. We’ll just see how it feels tomorrow.”

Rushing was previously diagnosed with a slightly torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, which led the Dodgers to halt his throwing regimen for four to six weeks, though he was allowed to continue hitting. The recent setback has delayed his eventual return.

This situation holds particular significance as the Dodgers are also managing uncertainty surrounding Ohtani, who has missed four consecutive games as of Sunday’s series finale against Washington. Despite his absence, Ohtani has not been placed on the injured list.

Ohtani’s multiple injuries have prevented him from taking the field, complicating the Dodgers’ roster decisions during an important phase of the season. Manager Dave Roberts mentioned that they hope to give Ohtani an additional day of rest before considering his return as the designated hitter.

With both Rushing and Ohtani unavailable, the Dodgers entered Sunday’s game aiming to finalize a three-game sweep of the Nationals. Will Smith was slated to take the starting catcher position, with Alfonzo ready to provide support behind the plate.