Ben Rortvedt, the Los Angeles Dodgers catcher, recently cleared waivers after being designated for assignment earlier this week. This move came as the Dodgers activated both Will Smith and Dalton Rushing from the injured list, necessitating adjustments to their roster.
Following the clearance, the Dodgers have opted to assign Rortvedt to their Triple-A affiliate, Oklahoma City. This decision allows him to remain within the organization, but it also places him at a crossroads regarding his career trajectory.
Rortvedt has the option to reject this assignment and enter free agency. However, staying with the Dodgers might be more beneficial for him, especially given the timing. With the calendar now in September, he is ineligible to join another team's postseason roster, which diminishes his prospects for immediate major league playing time elsewhere. Additionally, leaving the Dodgers would mean forfeiting his $1.25 million contract for the current season.
The return of Smith and Rushing, coupled with Hunter Feduccia's emergence as a reliable third catcher, complicates Rortvedt's situation. Unless an injury occurs, he may find it challenging to secure playing time with the major league club. He faces a decision: remain with the Dodgers in hopes of future opportunities or seek a new team for a brief stint in September.
Rortvedt's journey with the Dodgers began at the trade deadline when he was brought in as a safety net for the team during the absence of both Smith and Rushing. His familiarity with the pitching staff made him a valuable addition, as he was one of only two catchers on the active roster during that time.
In his time with the Dodgers, Rortvedt participated in 16 games, accumulating 28 plate appearances with a batting line of .185/.185/.185. Despite his struggles at the plate, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed appreciation for Rortvedt's contributions, particularly highlighting his role in the team's championship run last year. "Ben’s a great teammate, he’s a Major League player, and I’ll always be grateful because he helped us win a championship last year,” Roberts stated.
Rortvedt is recognized for his defensive skills behind the plate, excelling in managing wild pitches and effectively throwing out base runners. His ability to call games and select pitches has earned him praise from Dodgers pitchers, indicating that he is valued within the organization. The Dodgers are likely to keep Rortvedt in their plans for the foreseeable future, especially as they prepare for the postseason and consider potential injuries to their current catchers.
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