Dalton Rushing, Will Klein Take Steps Toward Potential October Returns

Dalton Rushing and Will Klein took encouraging steps Tuesday as they attempt to become available for the Dodgers during the postseason.

Klein threw a simulated inning against Rushing at Dodger Stadium, allowing both injured players to test their progress in a competitive setting.

For Rushing, it marked his first live batting practice since returning to the injured list with right-elbow discomfort. Klein faced hitters as he continues recovering from the elbow injury that has kept him out since the beginning of August.

Neither player has been cleared to return.

Rushing Faces Live Pitching

Rushing has appeared in only four games over the last seven weeks because of ongoing trouble with his right elbow.

Although he has a small tear in his ulnar collateral ligament, Rushing said recent imaging showed that the tear has remained unchanged since 2022. The current discomfort is believed to be connected more directly to a flexor strain.

Rushing received a platelet-rich plasma injection after aggravating the injury during a throwing program earlier this month. He has since stopped throwing and will not be considered for catching duties if he returns this season.

His potential role would be limited to serving as a left-handed hitter off the bench.

Dave Roberts said the Dodgers plan to activate Rushing before the regular season ends, giving him a brief opportunity to demonstrate that his swing is ready for postseason competition. That activation has not happened, and the Dodgers have not announced a specific return date.

Rushing is batting .249 with a .332 on-base percentage, a .466 slugging percentage, 12 home runs and 36 RBIs across 78 games this season.

Rushing Faces Difficult Postseason Decision

The live at-bats represent progress, but Rushing has little time to make his case.

The Dodgers want to evaluate the quality of his plate appearances, his strike-zone decisions and whether he can provide power without playing defense.

That is a difficult assignment for someone who has faced very little competitive pitching during the past several weeks.

Rushing would also occupy a specialized roster spot. Because he cannot catch or play another defensive position, the Dodgers would be carrying him strictly as a pinch-hitter.

The team must determine whether his left-handed power is valuable enough to justify that limitation when postseason rosters are finalized.

Klein Throws Simulated Inning

Klein’s simulated inning was another meaningful checkpoint in his recovery from right-elbow discomfort.

The Dodgers initially placed him on the 15-day injured list August 1 before transferring him to the 60-day IL in September. He is not eligible to be activated until September 30, meaning his regular season is already over.

Dave Roberts said Klein’s immediate objective is to get healthy, face hitters and demonstrate that his arm can withstand competitive work.

Klein is expected to continue throwing during the break before the Division Series if the Dodgers secure a first-round bye. Los Angeles can then evaluate whether he has built up enough to become a realistic option later in the postseason.

NLCS Could Become A Possible Window

Klein is technically eligible to return beginning September 30, but eligibility alone does not mean he will be ready for the NLDS.

The Division Series begins October 3, leaving little time between his activation eligibility and the start of the round. Klein still needs additional work against hitters and must respond well physically after each session.

That makes a potential NLCS return more realistic if his progression continues and the Dodgers advance. However, neither Klein nor the team has established the NLCS as an official return target.

Dave Roberts described Klein as someone who could receive an opportunity later in the postseason, depending on his health and the Dodgers’ bullpen needs.

Postseason rosters are reset before each round, allowing Los Angeles to reconsider Klein even if he is not included on the NLDS roster.

Klein Has Already Made A Late October Impact

The possibility of Klein joining the bullpen late in a postseason run would not be unprecedented.

Klein did not make the Dodgers’ postseason roster until the 2025 World Series. He went on to pitch five scoreless innings during the series, including four innings with five strikeouts in the Dodgers’ 18-inning Game 3 victory over Toronto.

That performance does not guarantee him another opportunity, but it demonstrates why the Dodgers are keeping him involved while he works back from the elbow injury.

Rushing has the more immediate path because the Dodgers hope to activate him during the final regular-season series. Klein’s timeline is longer and will require additional successful throwing sessions.

Both players moved forward Tuesday, but their postseason availability will depend on how their bodies respond and whether they can prove they are ready before the Dodgers must make their October roster decisions.