Dalton Rushing Diagnosed With UCL Tear Following Dodgers' 5-1 Loss to Cubs

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing faces a significant recovery period after follow-up testing revealed a slight UCL tear in his right elbow.

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing has been diagnosed with a slight tear in the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of his right elbow, a condition confirmed by follow-up imaging conducted in Los Angeles. This medical revelation surfaced immediately following the club's 5-1 defeat against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Tuesday night. Rushing, who is 25 years old, concludes this stretch of the 2026 campaign with a .253 batting average, 12 home runs, and 36 RBIs accumulated over 74 appearances. His final game action occurred during Saturday’s matchup with the Boston Red Sox, preceding a Monday transaction that placed him on the injured list for what was initially labeled a mild strain.

Key details

Manager Dave Roberts addressed the media after the four-run loss in Chicago, stating that the backstop will cease all throwing mechanics for a period of several weeks. The organization’s primary medical objective involves bypassing surgical intervention through a conservative rehabilitation program. While the active roster competed in Illinois, the young catcher remained in California to undergo the diagnostic scans that ultimately identified the ligament damage. This injury creates a significant void for the defending World Series champions as they navigate the final months of the regular season schedule.

To mitigate the loss of their primary catching depth, the front office executed two specific trades prior to Monday’s deadline. Ben Rortvedt was obtained from the New York Mets, while Hunter Feduccia was acquired through a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. In the Tuesday night contest, Rortvedt occupied the starting spot in the lineup, finishing the evening 0-for-2 at the plate. Feduccia saw his first action as a late-game substitute, entering the defensive rotation during the eighth inning. These roster adjustments were mandatory given the simultaneous absence of the team's veteran starter.

Latest developments

Will Smith remains unavailable for selection, having been sidelined since June 5 due to an inflamed disk located in his neck. Roberts indicated over the weekend that although the veteran is making steady progress, he has not yet reached the threshold for live game participation. The projected timeline for Smith involves a three-to-four-week ramp-up phase before he can be considered for activation from the injured list. Consequently, the Dodgers are forced to utilize their newly acquired assets while both Rushing and Smith manage their respective recovery paths. The 5-1 result against the Cubs highlights the immediate pressure on the revamped catching unit.

Tuesday's game also featured the franchise debut of pitcher Tarik Skubal, who took the mound as the Dodgers attempted to stabilize their rotation. Despite the high-profile addition, the offense struggled to provide support, resulting in the four-run margin of defeat. The diagnostic news regarding Rushing’s elbow adds further complexity to a roster already dealing with multiple high-leverage injuries. The medical staff will monitor the catcher's response to rest before determining if he can return to defensive duties before the postseason begins.

With the trade deadline now passed, the Dodgers must rely on the internal depth provided by Rortvedt and Feduccia. The slight UCL tear represents a shift from the original optimistic diagnosis of a simple strain. Rushing’s ability to contribute as a designated hitter remains a secondary consideration, as the priority is restoring the integrity of his throwing arm. The team currently lacks a definitive date for when he might resume light baseball activities, leaving the catching position in a state of flux for the foreseeable future.