The Los Angeles Dodgers are confronting a catcher shortage that could reshape their roster before the heat of the summer. With Will Smith and Dalton Rushing both nursing injuries, the club finds itself thin at a position that is vital for both defense and offense.
Smith, the team’s primary backstop, was expected to be ready by August, but a setback could push that timeline further back. Meanwhile, Rushing has been absent from the lineup since June 5 after a neck injury, leaving the Dodgers with limited options behind the plate.
Current backup Eliezer Alfonzo brings experience but has not demonstrated the hitting production expected of a major‑league starter, prompting the front office to explore external solutions.
Potential Moves
The Dodgers could address the gap by pursuing a trade for a minor‑league catcher who has already proven himself at the big‑league level, or by scanning the waiver wire for a ready‑made solution.
One name that surfaces in that conversation is Ben Rortvedt, whose contributions last season earned him a key role before he was claimed by the New York Mets and sent to their minor‑league system.
Re‑acquiring Rortvedt would not only restore a familiar bat but also provide a cost‑effective remedy, though the Mets may be reluctant to part with him without a compelling offer.
Beyond individual transactions, the situation underscores the broader challenge of maintaining depth in a position that is critical both defensively and offensively, especially as the club aims to remain competitive in the National League West.