{
  "id": 103388,
  "title": "Dodgers Bringing Back Second Catcher Ahead of Trade Deadline",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/dodgers-bringing-back-second-catcher-ahead-of-trade-deadline",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-03T22:27:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dodgers-bringing-back-second-catcher-222747995.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Los Angeles Dodgers have taken precautionary measures regarding their catchers, reacquiring Hunter Feduccia from the Tampa Bay Rays just a day before the trade deadline at 3 p.m. PT on Monday. The news was reported by Jorge Castillo of ESPN. The Dodgers are also acquiring right-handed pitcher Jacob Kmatz, while sending outfielder Jack Suwinski and an international bonus pool payment, according to Castillo.\n\nInterestingly, Feduccia had previously played for the Dodgers a year ago and was then traded to the Rays for pitchers Paul Gervase and Adam Serwinowski, along with another catcher, Ben Rortvedt. Rortvedt, who was involved in another deadline trade earlier on Monday, is also returning to the Dodgers. This brings their catching roster to a crowded situation.\n\nThe Dodgers were actively searching for additional catchers due to injuries. Starting catcher Will Smith had been sidelined since early June with neck pain, later diagnosed as an inflamed disc. Despite attempting to play through the pain, it persisted and even delayed his recovery process. Backup catcher Dalton Rushing had taken over the starting role but also suffered from minor arm irritation, forcing him onto the injured list on Monday afternoon. With both top catchers injured, the Dodgers felt compelled to find replacements to safeguard against the possibility of Rushing and Smith being sidelined for an extended period.\n\nIn addition to Feduccia, the Dodgers also reacquired Ben Rortvedt, who had been playing in the New York Mets' minor league system. It appears the Dodgers aimed to minimize the acclimation period for their catchers in preparation for a potential playoff run. As reported by The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, \"That adjustment period should be more abbreviated this time around.\"\n\nThe question now arises: Will either Ben Rortvedt or Hunter Feduccia secure a spot on the Dodgers' playoff roster for the 2026 season?",
  "summary": "The Los Angeles Dodgers added a second catcher on Monday alone, both of whom previously were with the team.",
  "key_points": [
    "Los Angeles Dodgers reacquire Hunter Feduccia from Tampa Bay Rays",
    "Dodgers acquire Jacob Kmatz and send Jack Suwinski to Rays",
    "Ben Rortvedt returns to Dodgers after minor league stint"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}