Dodgers Catcher Dalton Rushing to Undergo Elbow Surgery
Los Angeles catcher Dalton Rushing will undergo a hybrid internal brace procedure to repair a partial UCL tear.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Baseball
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Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing is set for surgery to repair a persistent partial UCL tear in his elbow. The procedure comes after the catcher struggled with forearm issues for much of the 2026 season.
Why it matters
The surgery is necessary to stabilize the elbow and address the partial tear identified in 2022. It represents a critical step for Rushing to regain his full physical health and return to his duties behind the plate.
Rushing logged 245 plate appearances in 2026, marking an increase over his 155 plate appearances during his 2025 rookie season. He is expected to require nine months of recovery before returning to full-time catching duties.
The players
Dalton Rushing
He is a professional baseball catcher who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.
Los Angeles Dodgers
This is a professional Major League Baseball franchise based in Los Angeles that competes in the National League West division.
The details
Rushing will undergo a hybrid internal brace procedure to treat the injury, which caused him to miss significant time in 2026. He previously dealt with two separate stints on the injured list for a flexor strain in his right forearm.
Timeline
The partial UCL tear was initially identified in 2022.
The elbow injury flared during pre-game throwing on August 2, 2026.
Rushing was placed on the injured list on August 3, 2026.
He returned to the Dodgers roster as a pinch hitter in September 2026.
Surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The internal brace surgical procedure has become a common intervention for professional athletes aiming to recover from partial UCL tears. Rushing follows this established clinical path as he looks to preserve his career longevity behind the plate.
Rushing will be unable to catch for nine months, significantly impacting the Dodgers roster depth at the position for the start of the 2027 season. The team will likely need to adjust their strategy regarding depth and player availability for the upcoming year.
The takeaway
Players undergoing this surgery can often resume hitting before they are cleared for the physical demands of catching. This staged return provides a path for Rushing to remain involved in the offense while his elbow undergoes the necessary healing.
Further reading
For more updates on player rosters and health status, visit the Los Angeles Baseball section.
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Should professional teams prioritize player long-term health over immediate postseason roster depth?
