The Los Angeles Dodgers could find themselves searching for additional catching depth before the MLB trade deadline as injuries continue to leave the position thinner than expected.

The biggest concern remains the absence of All-Star catcher Will Smith, who has been on the Injured List since June 8 because of neck inflammation.

Smith later revealed he had been diagnosed with an inflamed disc, and his recovery has taken considerably longer than the organization originally anticipated.

Manager Dave Roberts recently acknowledged to the Los Angeles Times that he does not envision a scenario in which Smith returns before the All-Star break, which concludes on July 16.

In Smith’s absence, rookie Dalton Rushing has handled the majority of the catching duties.

While he has continued producing respectable offensive numbers, his first full major-league season has also included several growing pains, particularly with managing games behind the plate and maintaining consistency.

Chuckie Robinson has served as Rushing’s backup, but before collecting his first two hits of the season on June 23 against the Minnesota Twins, he opened the year 0-for-11 at the plate. He’s 0-for-8 since.

The Dodgers also have limited depth beyond Robinson.

At Triple-A Oklahoma City, Eliezer Alfonzo and Griffin Lockwood-Powell are the only catchers on the roster, and neither has appeared in an MLB game.

That lack of experienced depth has led to speculation that Los Angeles could look outside the organization for reinforcements.

According to Jack Harris from the California Post, one possible solution would be bringing back former Dodgers catcher Ben Rortvedt, who is currently in the New York Mets organization.

Harris suggested the Dodgers would benefit from another catcher capable of handling regular playing time if necessary, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Smith’s recovery.

He also pointed to Rortvedt’s familiarity with the organization and his important contributions during last year’s postseason.

“With all due respect to Rushing, the last couple weeks have shown that the Dodgers could use more catching depth,” Harris wrote.

“And with all due respect to minor-league call-up Chuckie Robinson, someone else who can actually be trusted to play regularly wouldn’t be the worst thing as the team enters the second half of the season," Harris continued.

“Thus, who better to get than last year’s unexpected postseason savior, Ben Rortvedt –– who supplanted Rushing as the team’s go-to fill-in when Smith was hurt at the start of the postseason.”

Rortvedt emerged as a valuable piece for Los Angeles during the 2025 postseason after both Smith and Rushing suffered injuries.

Even after Rushing became healthy, the Dodgers trusted the veteran catcher enough to start four postseason games while Smith dealt with a hairline fracture in his right hand.

Los Angeles won all four of those games, with Rortvedt going 3-for-7 with a double and an RBI while providing steady defense and doing an outstanding job working alongside the pitching staff.

Before the 2026 season, Rortvedt was lost by the Dodgers, later reclaimed on waivers, designated for assignment again, and eventually lost for a second time.

The Mets designated him for assignment in late March, and after he cleared waivers, he was assigned to Triple-A Syracuse, where he has remained throughout the season.

Rortvedt originally joined the Dodgers before the 2025 trade deadline in the three-team deal that also brought Paul Gervase and Adam Serwinowski from the Tampa Bay Rays.

If Los Angeles were to reunite with him, Rortvedt would likely resume a backup role behind Rushing. However, his familiarity with the organization, defensive reliability, and experience handling the pitching staff could provide valuable stability while Smith remains unavailable.

Adding another experienced catcher would also lessen the pressure on Rushing as he continues adjusting to the demands of becoming an everyday major league catcher.

Beyond his experience, Rortvedt has earned a reputation as a dependable defensive catcher who consistently puts the needs of his pitching staff first.

He is known for his preparation, communication, and ability to establish trust with pitchers, qualities that often extend beyond what appears in the box score.

His calm approach behind the plate allows him to handle high-pressure situations effectively, while his professionalism has made him a respected presence in every clubhouse he has joined.

Rortvedt also embraces his role regardless of playing time, remaining prepared whenever his team calls upon him.

His willingness to support teammates and contribute in whatever capacity is needed reflects the type of selfless mentality successful organizations value.

Those characteristics make him an attractive depth option for a Dodgers team seeking stability behind the plate during the second half of the season.

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