​Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing is on the injured list with a slight tear in his ulnar collateral ligament, though surgery remains the biggest factor in whether he will return or not. According to Rushing, who spoke with The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, the Dodgers’ rising star does not need to go through surgery, at least as of now. “I don’t have to go lay on a table and get my arm cut open,” Rushing said. “That’s a good thing. That’s where we’re at right now.”Surgery, with only a month and change left in the regular season, would end up being season-ending, and it would make his status for the postseason very gloomy. Jul 22, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (68) reacts with two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) after hitting a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesRushing claims that the doctors are “not worried about anything structurally right now,” which would allow him to play through some pain and discomfort. “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.”View this post on InstagramA post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation)What role will Dalton Rushing return in?If Rushing does return, at this point, it is hard to see him catching. Manager Dave Roberts admitted that there is a “very small” chance that Rushing catches again this season. Instead, Rushing would be a pinch-hitting option off the bench, giving the team a lefty bat to complement the sudden rise in right-handed hitters off the bench. Jun 27, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (68) hits a solo home run during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn ImagesRushing is one of the best-hitting catchers in baseball, despite a prolonged slump after his hot start. He has a 123 wRC+, putting him 23% above league average in terms of run creation. He also has a 1.3 fWAR, driven by his offense, since his work behind the plate is slightly below average. His .253/.335/.475 slash line highlights his good eye and approach, which the Dodgers love, along with true power hitting, something rare for a catcher. Rushing has always been known for his bat, and after getting regular work at the plate in the absence of Will Smith, he has blossomed and could be a key hitter come October if he does opt against surgery.