sports
Dodgers seek catcher before trade deadline
The Dodgers face uncertainty at catcher after Will Smith went on the injured list with a neck issue. The team has used Dalton Rushing and Eliezer Alfonzo in the role while considering options before the deadline.
Jul 19, 10:54 PM·1m read1 source
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The Los Angeles Dodgers are considering whether to acquire a catcher before the MLB trade deadline because their primary catcher has been sidelined. Will Smith has been the Dodgers' main catcher since 2019 and has played at least 110 games in each of the past five seasons. He has appeared in 52 games this season but has not played since June 5 due to an inflamed disk in his neck.
update Manager Dave Roberts said Smith is taking a week without activity to calm the neck issue. Roberts added that the injury has flared up and prevented recovery. Dalton Rushing has taken over as the primary catcher. The second-year player has appeared in 62 games but has committed several passed balls, including one on July 18 that allowed a run against the New York Yankees.
options Eliezer Alfonzo made his major-league debut on July 5 and has played in 10 games. He started the second game of a doubleheader against the Yankees on July 19 and recorded his first major-league hit that night. If the Dodgers do not acquire another catcher, they may continue with Rushing and Alfonzo through the remainder of the season.
