The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a familiar dilemma behind the plate. With starting catcher Will Smith nursing an injury and backup Dalton Rushing struggling to keep his cool — let alone stay synchronized with Shohei Ohtani — the front office is reportedly exploring trade options to reinforce the position. According to Jack Harris of the California Post, the Dodgers have their eyes on Ben Rothbart, a veteran catcher currently under contract with the New York Mets' triple-A affiliate.
Rothbart's Familiar Face
Ben Rothbart is no stranger to Dodger Stadium. After joining the Dodgers via a midseason trade last July, he provided reliable backup work and even earned a spot on the postseason roster. His steady glove and calm presence behind the dish won over fans and teammates alike. But after the season, he was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds before eventually landing in the Mets' system.
Now, with Smith on the shelf and time ticking toward October, the Dodgers could bring Rothbart back to stabilize a suddenly shaky catching corps.
The Dalton Rushing Conundrum
While Rushing has shown flashes of power — including a home run in Saturday's 15-3 drubbing of the San Diego Padres — his on-field antics have begun to overshadow his production. A recent incident in which Rushing appeared to call out Ohtani after a miscommunication on the bases was bad enough. But during Saturday's game, another temper tantrum raised eyebrows across the league.
During his first at-bat, Rushing called time and stepped out of the box, visibly frustrated. Though he appeared to be in discomfort, the optics were poor, especially for a player trying to earn the trust of a veteran-laden clubhouse. As one team insider noted, 'His antics are starting to cast him in less than desirable light.'
Ohtani Factor Adds Urgency
The Dodgers' investment in Shohei Ohtani — both in terms of contract and on-field expectations — means they cannot afford miscommunication between pitcher and catcher. Reports have indicated that Rushing has struggled to sync up with Ohtani, a critical issue as the team prepares for a deep playoff run. By contrast, Rothbart's experience and calm demeanor could provide the stability Ohtani needs behind the plate.
What's Next for LA?
The Dodgers have a clear window to make a move before the trade deadline. Rothbart is a known quantity who has already proven he can handle the pressure of a postseason race. With Smith's return timeline still uncertain, the front office may decide that the cost of acquiring Rothbart is a small price to pay for championship insurance.
For now, all eyes are on Rushing. If he can channel his energy into production and keep his emotions in check, he could still be part of the solution. But as the Dodgers learned last postseason, October leaves little room for temper tantrums.
