Ben Rortvedt has had an interesting few months since winning the 2025 World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was recently designated for assignment by the Dodgers for a second time since the end of last season, and he has once again been claimed. This time, Rortvedt heads to the New York Mets, giving him the opportunity to compete for their backup job with Austin Barnes.
Phillips made seven appearances in 2025, striking out six batters in 5.2 innings without allowing a run before being shut down with Tommy John surgery in late May. It is unclear when Phillips will be able to return to the bullpen, but pitchers typically have a recovery time of 12-18 months before they get back in games. The 31-year-old joined the Dodgers in 2021 via waiver claim from Tampa Bay and starred in the bullpen, going 15-9 with a 2.22 ERA in 201 games.
After being sent to the Dodgers, Rortvedt quickly found himself with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He played 17 games with the Comets, posting a .667 OPS with two homers and six RBIs. In September, though, the 28-year-old got his shot. Will Smith suffered a hand injury and sat out for nearly a month, and Dalton Rushing wore a foul ball off of his knee and went to the injured list shortly after.
The Dodgers' depth at the catcher position was already dwindling, and when All-Star backstop Will Smith suffered a hairline fracture in his hand towards the end of the regular season, and rookie catcher Dalton Rushing hit the injured list just days later, Rortvedt's role became invaluable. He played just 18 regular season games for the Dodgers, but all of which took place in September, a key stretch to end the campaign ahead of the postseason.
The Los Angeles Dodgers didn't have the most ideal circumstances that led to the emergence of catcher Ben Rortvedt, but since he has been up with the team, LA has been pleasantly surprised. From landing a spot in Triple-A Oklahoma City via an under-the-radar trade at the deadline, to eventually catching games for the defending champions of the baseball world looking to get back to the World Series, it has been a whirlwind, to say the least.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing has been forced to exit Friday's game against the Baltimore Orioles after fouling a ball off his leg. Rushing immediately fell to the ground in immense pain and couldn't put any weight on his right leg as he was carried off the field. Here's a video of the play: Rushing is currently getting an opportunity as the Dodgers' starting catcher with Will Smith out.
Rortvedt joins the Dodgers for the first time since being acquired by the club as part of a three-team trade with the Tampa Bay Rays and Cincinnati Reds on July 31. The Dodgers added Rortvedt to replace Hunter Feduccia as the third catcher on their organizational depth chart. He now gets a chance with the MLB club as Will Smith deals with a right-hand injury after being hit by a foul ball.
