Dodgers Cut Veteran Backstop After Dalton Rushing Injury Update

The Los Angeles Dodgers have spent much of the season managing injuries while preparing for a deep run in October.

Though the Dodgers carry baseball’s most star-heavy roster, there has been a tricky balancing act behind the plate, as perennial All-Star Will Smith has been sidelined for much of the season. And after the team’s primary backup catcher, Dalton Rushing, suffered his own unexpected elbow issue, the team was forced to make another adjustment.

Rushing felt discomfort while warming up before a game against the Boston Red Sox earlier this month and was scratched shortly before the first pitch. He was subsequently placed on the injured list, creating an immediate need for additional catching depth.

The Dodgers responded by bringing in some veteran options, but one of those players ultimately proved to be a very short-term solution.

Los Angeles Dodgers Make Catching Move After Dalton Rushing Injury

After the Dodgers signed veteran backstop Chuckie Robinson to a minor league contract in the offseason, the team shuttled him back and forth from the minors several times. That included a promotion in the wake of Rushing’s injury setback.

Shortly afterward, though, the team acquired some other options and designated Robinson for assignment yet again.

“The Dodgers acquired Hunter Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt through trades Monday to serve as replacements for Robinson and Eliezer Alfonzo on the active roster,” CBS Sports reported. “Robinson was up with the Dodgers for just a day as a temporary depth piece due to Dalton Rushing (elbow) hitting the 10-day injured list Monday.”

Robinson cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City, but now it seems the team is no longer interested in carrying him there either.

The Dodgers released Robinson on Wednesday, according to the official transaction log.

Los Angeles Dodgers Cut Veteran Catcher After Addressing Depth

The latest on Rushing might have motivated the Dodgers to cut ties with Robinson.

“Dalton Rushing said his season is not over yet,” Fabian Ardaya reported for The Athletic. “In rehashing the injury for the first time publicly, Rushing said the tear was not a massive surprise — or an area of real immediate concern.”

The young catcher indicated that he won’t have to get surgery and that could be giving the Dodgers some confidence about the position, even as Smith remains sidelined.

And while that seems to be good news for the Dodgers’ primary backup, it might have pushed the decision to cut Robinson from the organization.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com