Los Angeles Dodgers Scratch Catcher Dalton Rushing Before Red Sox Game

The Los Angeles Dodgers removed catcher Dalton Rushing from the lineup minutes before the start of their Sunday night game against the Boston Red Sox. The club did not give a formal explanation, but reports cite a minor arm issue as the cause. Rookie Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. was inserted as the starting catcher and moved to the ninth spot in the batting order.

Rushing, the team's primary catcher while Will Smith remains on the injured list, has been hitting .253 with 12 home runs, 36 RBIs and an .809 OPS this season. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the need to protect Rushing’s health, noting the lack of another catcher on the active roster and the importance of his role in the Dodgers’ pursuit of the league lead.