Eliezer Alfonzo news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
The Dodgers recalled catcher Eliezer Alfonzo and put Dalton Rushing on the injured list with right.
It's a depth move: Alfonzo slots in as the third catcher behind Will Smith.
Background
The Dodgers recalled catcher Eliezer Alfonzo on September 6, 2026 as the corresponding move to Dalton Rushing landing on the injured list with right elbow discomfort, retroactive to September 5. Alfonzo, 26, was already on the 40-man roster, so the move required no extra roster shuffle — a factor the team has weighed as it manages a roster crunch for the rest of the month and into the offseason. He returns for a second stint with the club, having hit .185 with two doubles and four RBI in 12 games for the Dodgers earlier this season while batting .302 with two homers and 25 RBI at Triple-A Oklahoma City.
How it unfolded
- Sep 5, 2026Dalton Rushing is placed on the injured list with right elbow discomfort, retroactive to September 5.
- Sep 6, 2026The Dodgers recall catcher Eliezer Alfonzo from Triple-A Oklahoma City as the corresponding move.
- Sep 7, 2026Reporting frames the call-up as a way to maximize flexibility with Will Smith and Hunter Feduccia, with Alfonzo serving as the third catcher.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- NBC Sports notes Alfonzo went 5-for-27 in 12 games with the Dodgers earlier this season and will function as the team's third catcher behind Will Smith and Hunter Feduccia.
- Analysts
- Dodger Blue reports the Dodgers were also likely swayed by 40-man roster management, since Alfonzo was already on the 40-man and needed no corresponding move.
Still unverified
One report (True Blue LA) says Rushing aggravated a torn UCL; the Dodgers' announcement described the issue only as right elbow discomfort.