Dodgers’ Dalton Rushing says he doesn't need UCL surgery

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing has said that he can avoid surgery for recovery from the partially torn ligament in his right elbow.

Rushing, 25, was placed on the 10-day injured list last week with a slight tear in the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm.

"I don't have to go lay on a table and get my arm cut open," he told The Athletic after the Dodgers' 6-5 win against Kansas City on Monday night. "That's a good thing. That's where we're at right now."

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Rushing would be unable to throw for four to six weeks.

Talking about the issue for the first time on Monday, Rushing said the injury was not a surprise to him or the team.

"From a structural standpoint, we had a history a little bit of it," Rushing said. "(The Dodgers) were aware of it. Everyone was aware of it. I think that's what popped up as of recently on scans and kind of threw up a red flag for some people.

"But as far as the feel of it, we're worried about the muscle side of it that surrounds it. That's what we're going to rehab."

Rushing hopes to rejoin the Dodgers in time to bid for their third consecutive World Series championship this fall if he can avoid season-ending surgery.

Will Smith, the team's No. 1 backstop, who has been out since June with a neck injury, is expected to resume batting practice this week.

Rushing is batting .253 with a .335 on-base percentage, a .475 slugging percentage, and has hit 12 homers and 36 RBIs in 74 games in 2026. He broke into the majors with Los Angeles in 2025, hitting .204/.258/.324 with four home runs and 24 RBIs in 53 games.