Dodgers C Dalton Rushing doesn't believe he needs UCL surgery

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing believes he can avoid surgery to repair the partially torn ligament in his right elbow.

"I don't have to go lay on a table and get my arm cut open," he told The Athletic after the Dodgers' 6-5 win against Kansas City on Monday night. "That's a good thing. That's where we're at right now."

Rushing, 25, landed on the 10-day injured list last week with a slight tear in the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm. Manager Dave Roberts said Rushing would not throw for four to six weeks.

Discussing the injury for the first time Monday, Rushing said the injury was not a surprise to him or the team.

"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."

If he can avoid season-ending surgery, Rushing hopes to rejoin the Dodgers in time to pursue their third consecutive World Series championship this fall. Will Smith, the team's No. 1 backstop, has been out since June with a neck injury and is expected to resume batting practice this week.

Rushing is batting .253 with a .335 on-base percentage, a .475 slugging percentage, 12 homers and 36 RBIs in 74 games this year. He broke into the majors with Los Angeles last year, hitting .204/.258/.324 with four homers and 24 RBIs in 53 games.

--Field Level Media