The Los Angeles Dodgers are dealing with significant lineup challenges. On Sunday, they decided to place catcher Dalton Rushing on the injured list due to right elbow discomfort. This decision becomes effective retroactively from September 5. In response, they recalled catcher Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. from the minors to fill the gap.

Rushing’s return from a previous elbow injury had just occurred on September 1, but he had not undergone a rehab assignment. Although not yet cleared to catch, the team intended to utilize his left-handed hitting skills off the bench. Unfortunately, this plan fell apart after only five plate appearances. During these, he managed no hits, striking out three times and being hit by a pitch. A further complication arose as his elbow flared up during a pre-game throw on Saturday. This led to his removal from the lineup right before the first pitch.

“He was doing some early throwing today, and it just kind of flared up,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned on Saturday. “I think we’ll kind of put a pin in throwing for now … I still believe that hitting is on the table. We’ll just see how it feels tomorrow.”

Previously, Rushing had been diagnosed with a minor tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of his right elbow. The recommended treatment was to halt his throwing activities for about four to six weeks while keeping him on track as a hitter. This latest setback has now delayed his anticipated return.

The timing couldn’t be more critical for the Dodgers. They are already facing uncertainties with Shohei Ohtani, who has missed four consecutive games leading up to Sunday’s series finale against the Washington Nationals. Ohtani hasn’t been added to the injured list, but his absence has forced the Dodgers to make significant lineup changes during an important period of the season.

Manager Dave Roberts shared before Sunday’s game that they aim to give Ohtani another day before introducing him back into the lineup as the designated hitter. With both Rushing and Ohtani unavailable, the Dodgers face Sunday’s game attempting to complete a sweep of the Nationals. Will Smith starts at catcher, with Alfonzo ready to provide additional support.