Dodgers Face Injury Challenges Before Nationals Series Finale

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a crucial decision regarding Dalton Rushing’s right elbow injury on Sunday, choosing to delay the same decision for Shohei Ohtani as long as possible.

The club placed Rushing on the injured list due to right elbow discomfort, effective from September 5, and summoned catcher Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. from the minors ahead of the series finale against the Washington Nationals on Sunday.

Rushing had only returned recently from an elbow injury. He was activated on September 1 without a rehabilitation assignment. Though not cleared to catch, the Dodgers aimed to utilize his left-handed hitting from the bench. This strategy was in place while Rushing advanced his throwing progress.

However, Rushing’s plan was limited to five plate appearances. He went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts, being hit by a pitch before his elbow discomfort resurfaced during warm-ups on Saturday. Consequently, he was removed from the lineup just before the game.

“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. The Dodgers had paused his throwing activities for four to six weeks, despite allowing him to keep developing as a hitter. This recent setback delays his return once more.

The situation is particularly noteworthy as the Dodgers are also handling uncertainty with Ohtani, who missed four straight games leading into Sunday’s finale against Washington. Ohtani remained out of the lineup, although the Dodgers have not placed him on the injured list.

Ohtani is managing various injuries that have left him out, yet the Dodgers have not made a roster decision about him similar to Rushing’s case. His absence has compelled the team to alter their lineup during this key season period.

Before Sunday’s game, Manager Dave Roberts mentioned they would give Ohtani another rest day, hoping to reintroduce him into the lineup as designated hitter (DH) soon.

With both Rushing out and Ohtani unavailable, the Dodgers faced a challenging situation entering Sunday as they aimed to complete a three-game sweep against the Nationals. Will Smith prepared to start as catcher, with Alfonzo adding extra coverage behind the plate.