Dalton Rushing Set For Elbow Surgery, Faces Nine-Month Catching Recovery

Dalton Rushing’s right-elbow injury will require surgery after all.

Rushing is set to undergo what is expected to be a hybrid internal-brace procedure, according to multiple reports. The anticipated recovery period before he can return to full-time catching is approximately nine months.

That timeline could prevent Rushing from catching until well into the 2027 season.

It does not necessarily mean he will be unable to contribute offensively for the entire nine-month period. Rushing could potentially resume hitting earlier in his rehabilitation, although the Dodgers have not established a timetable for his return to game action in any capacity.

Rushing Initially Attempted To Avoid Surgery

The surgical decision represents a change from the conservative treatment plan Rushing followed during the season.

Rushing first experienced significant elbow discomfort while playing catch in early August. An MRI revealed a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, but the tear reportedly had been present—and remained relatively unchanged—since 2022.

At the time, the Dodgers and Rushing believed inflammation and a flexor issue surrounding the ligament were causing his symptoms.

Rushing stopped throwing and focused on rest, treatment and strengthening the muscles around the elbow. He was optimistic that he could avoid surgery and eventually return behind the plate.

That attempt did not produce a lasting solution.

After returning in September as a hitter, Rushing experienced another flare-up while going through a throwing progression. The setback effectively ended his chances of catching again during the season.

Los Angeles eventually activated him for the final games as a possible left-handed bat, but he did not secure a place on the Dodgers’ postseason roster.

Nine-Month Timeline Applies To Catching

The recovery distinction is especially important in Rushing’s case.

The expected nine-month timeline is for a return to catching full time—a position that places significant stress on his throwing elbow. If his rehabilitation progresses without complications, nine months from the operation would place that possibility around late July.

That should not be treated as a firm return date.

Recovery timelines can change, and Rushing will need to complete several throwing benchmarks before the Dodgers clear him to catch in Major League games.

His bat may become available sooner.

Rushing was able to hit during portions of his previous rehabilitation without experiencing the same discomfort he felt while throwing. The Dodgers could eventually consider using him as a pinch hitter, designated hitter or at another position before he is ready to catch.

No plan for an early hitting-only return has been announced.

What Is A Hybrid Internal-Brace Procedure?

A hybrid internal-brace procedure is not necessarily identical to a traditional Tommy John reconstruction.

The technique can combine the repair or reinforcement of the existing ligament with an internal brace designed to provide additional stability. The exact operation depends on the condition of the ligament and what the surgeon finds during the procedure.

For Rushing, the reported nine-month catching timetable is shorter than the recovery commonly associated with a complete UCL reconstruction.

That does not make the rehabilitation insignificant.

Catching requires frequent, high-intensity throws from difficult positions. Rushing must rebuild strength, complete a throwing progression and prove his elbow can withstand the daily demands of the position before he is cleared.

Dodgers Must Reconsider Their Catching Depth

Rushing’s absence creates an immediate offseason question behind Will Smith.

The Dodgers entered the year viewing Rushing as an important part of their catching depth and a potential long-term option behind the plate. When Smith missed three months with a neck injury, Rushing received extended opportunities and demonstrated why Los Angeles remained confident in his bat.

Rushing finished the regular season batting .246 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs across 80 games.

His offensive production made him a valuable alternative to Smith, but the elbow injury eventually prevented him from handling the defensive responsibilities of the position.

With Rushing unlikely to catch during the opening months of 2027, the Dodgers cannot enter the season assuming he will be their regular backup.

Hunter Feduccia and Eliezer Alfonzo provide internal options, but Los Angeles could also seek additional catching depth during the offseason.

Smith remains the clear starter. The concern is ensuring the Dodgers have a dependable second catcher who can handle a meaningful workload without forcing Smith to play more frequently than planned.

Rushing’s Bat Could Complicate His Return

A hitting-only return presents its own roster challenge.

Shohei Ohtani occupies the designated-hitter position whenever he is healthy, leaving limited opportunities for another player who cannot contribute defensively.

Rushing has previous experience at first base and in left field, but the Dodgers would still need to determine whether either position is realistic during his elbow rehabilitation.

That decision can wait.

The immediate priority is completing the procedure and allowing Rushing to begin a recovery that restores his ability to catch—not merely finding a temporary way to keep his bat available.

Rushing is still only 25 and remains under team control well beyond next season. A cautious recovery is more important than forcing him back into a limited role several weeks early.

A Significant Setback, Not A Change In His Future

Rushing’s surgery changes the Dodgers’ catching plans for 2027, particularly during the first half of the season.

It does not eliminate him from their long-term plans.

He has already shown that his left-handed power can contribute at the Major League level. The larger developmental question is whether he can improve defensively and eventually handle a more significant share of the catching workload.

Those evaluations will now be delayed.

Rushing may be able to help the Dodgers with his bat before the nine-month mark, but his return behind the plate should not be expected until well into the 2027 season.