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Rushing undergoes surgery to repair partially torn UCL in right elbow

Dodgers backup catcher Dalton Rushing underwent a hybrid internal brace procedure on Wednesday to repair a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The surgery is expected to sideline him from catching duties for approximately nine months, though he is projected to return to the lineup as a position player significantly sooner.

Rushing had made notable progress during his second major league season, posting a .246 batting average, a .788 OPS, and 12 home runs while filling in for Will Smith. His elbow issues initially surfaced in early August, leading to an injury list stint that was briefly resolved when rosters expanded on September 1, allowing him to play as a hitter-only.

However, a recurrence while throwing forced him back onto the injury list, ending his catching season and limiting his postseason role to a distant bench option behind prospect Josue De Paula. If his rehabilitation proceeds as scheduled, Rushing could be ready to catch by mid-to-late July, which would likely leave Hunter Feduccia, reacquired at the trade deadline, as the primary backup to Smith for the start of next season.

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Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing to undergo elbow surgery for partial UCL tear