Catcher Dalton Rushing was placed on the 10-day injured list because of what the Dodgers described as “discomfort” in his right elbow — the same elbow in which he suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament last month.
Limited to playing as a designated hitter since returning from his original injury on Tuesday, Rushing was scratched from the Dodgers’ lineup on Saturday after playing catch.
But manager Dave Roberts sounded as if there was a chance Rushing could play again this season.
Rushing underwent an MRI examination on his elbow.
“I think it was just more of just pissing it off, to be honest,” Roberts said.
As for Rushing’s plan moving forward, Roberts said, “He’s not going to swing for a few days and then get him back up building to the swinging progression. At that point in time, he can take some at-bats, get on a rehab assignment, and then we’ll see where we’re at in 11 days.”
Asked if the injury could require Tommy John surgery, Roberts said, “I don’t think so. I think for us and for Dalton, it’s just more of we’ll get through this year, building up the hitting and kind of see where the offseason takes us.”
Catcher Eliezer Alfonzo was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to replace Rushing on the active roster.
With Will Smith and Hunter Feduccia also on the roster, the Dodgers now have three catchers on their active roster.
“It’s just more of having the ability to use Feddy when he’s not starting to be a left-handed bat, to be able to use Will off the bench as a bat,” Roberts said.
Roberts said Alfonzo’s presence could also spare Smith from catching on days he doesn’t start. A three-time All-Star, Smith was activated from the 60-day injured list on Tuesday after missing three months with an inflamed disk in his neck.
