The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Sunday that catcher Dalton Rushing has been placed on the injured list (IL) with a right elbow sprain, retroactive to Sept. 5, and recalled Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. from the minors. The move comes after Rushing experienced a flare-up in his elbow while throwing before Saturday’s game, ending a brief return from injury.
Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani is expected to return to the Dodgers’ lineup Monday against the Cincinnati Reds after missing four consecutive games. Manager Dave Roberts stated Saturday that Ohtani’s right biceps and left knee issues have "calmed down" with rest, and he hit in the batting cage the same day. Roberts added that Ohtani is trending toward a return unless circumstances change.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The Dodgers did not place Ohtani on the IL despite his absence, opting instead to keep him day-to-day. Roberts noted that while Ohtani’s pitching return this season remains "not officially" ruled out, the timeline makes it unlikely. "Obviously, if you’re looking at the calendar, how much he’s thrown in the last week, I think we can all do the math," Roberts said.
Rushing, who had been activated Sept. 1 without a rehab assignment, was scratched from the lineup Saturday after experiencing elbow discomfort during pregame throwing. He went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and was hit by a pitch in five plate appearances. An MRI revealed no new structural damage, but Roberts confirmed Rushing would not throw for the foreseeable future. "I think we’ll kind of put a pin in throwing for now," Roberts said. Hitting remains under consideration for Rushing’s return.
Dodgers' Roster Moves & Injury Updates
The Dodgers’ decision to place Rushing on the IL and recall Alfonzo reflects the team’s need for depth behind the plate. Rushing had been slated to contribute with his bat while continuing his throwing progression, but the latest setback delays his return indefinitely. His previous injury involved a slightly torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), which initially required a shutdown from throwing for four to six weeks.
Ohtani’s situation remains fluid. Roberts emphasized that the team is monitoring his progress closely, noting that Ohtani felt well after Saturday’s activities. The Dodgers hope to have Ohtani back in the lineup Monday, though his role as a pitcher this season appears increasingly unlikely due to the limited remaining games and his recent workload.
Manager's Statements & Team Outlook
Roberts described Ohtani’s recovery as "trending" positively, with both his biceps and knee responding well to rest. The manager also acknowledged the challenges posed by the compressed schedule, stating, "Just a handful of days ago, where he was at, talking to him the day after, it just felt that a few days could potentially be of benefit."
The Dodgers secured a 6-5 victory over the Washington Nationals on Sunday without Ohtani, with Tommy Edman delivering a three-run home run and Tanner Scott escaping a ninth-inning jam. The win provided a temporary boost as the team navigates injuries to key players.
The Dodgers’ next steps will depend on Ohtani’s response to further activity and Rushing’s recovery timeline. No further roster moves were announced Sunday, but the team’s medical staff will continue evaluating both players daily.