The Los Angeles Dodgers’ catcher position is the main point of concern for the team at this point, given that they are missing two valuable bats at that position: Will Smith and Dalton Rushing.
Smith is still easing his way back into action, with a return looking like September at this point. Rushing, meanwhile, is looking to return as a pinch hitter by avoiding surgery despite a minor UCL tear.
For Rushing, playing catcher looks to be a long shot, according to Dave Roberts, though he seems to be a bit more optimistic about his chances to work behind the dish.
With both of them at least a week away, the Dodgers have two solid options to hold the fort down in Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia.
Both catchers have experience with the Dodgers organization and the pitchers, and carry real major league experience that makes them effective backstops for the Dodgers.
Still, in case either Rortvedt or Feduccia gets hurt, the Dodgers need a reliable third option, and they may have just found one in the minor leagues.
Who is the Dodgers’ new catcher
After releasing Chuckie Robinson, another defensive first catcher, the Dodgers signed Chadwick Tromp to a minor league deal.
Tromp was just designated for assignment on July 31st, and on August 4th, he chose to enter free agency.
Now, he lands with the Dodgers, a team that will need someone like him if more catcher injuries strike a team that, for the second year in a row, seemingly can’t avoid them.
Robinson, despite being a great success story of a player who worked hard in the minors and ground to earn appearances for a contender like the Dodgers, has minimal impact with his bat.
While Tromp is not near the hitter Rushing or Smith are, he can hit left-handed pitching. He, for his career, has a .273 batting average in 77 plate appearances against lefties.
His .701 OPS against lefties is not ideal by any means, but it is good enough, especially when compared with Tromp’s experience in the major leagues, playing in 88 games.
He is well-traveled as well, having played for the Giants, Braves, and Orioles throughout his career.
Tromp may never get a crack this year, but he is right in line to step in if an opportunity strikes.