The Los Angeles Dodgers have scratched catcher Dalton Rushing from Sunday's game against the Boston Red Sox minutes before first pitch.The team did not provide a reason.Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. replaced Rushing at catcher and will bat ninth. The Dodgers don't have another catcher on the active roster.Why Did the Dodgers Scratch Dalton Rushing on Sunday Night?According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, Rushing is dealing with a minor arm injury. The team decided to exercise caution and remove him from the lineup.Source: Dalton Rushing is dealing with a minor arm issue, hence the lineup change. https://t.co/Px1pkKJQRH— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 2, 2026Dodgers Can't Afford a Dalton Rushing InjuryThe Dodgers are not in a position where they can be without Rushing for any extended amount of time.The second-year backstop is currently the team's starter with Will Smith on the injured list.Smith has just restarted baseball activities after being sidelined since early June due to an inflamed disc in his neck. He's still at least three or four weeks away from getting back.“This is something that’s uncharted territory, for him certainly. We’re sort of back at Square One. I just don’t know how long that ramp up will take," manager Dave Roberts said last week.“Just every marker — if he feels good, we keep advancing. There’s obviously going to be a rehab assignment behind it. I just don’t know. But very confident that it’s going to happen given that he’s pain-free and he’s doing some things now.”"I know Will is anxious to get back out there," Roberts added this weekend. "But there still has to be a progression and games played. I just don’t see it before three or four weeks."In Smith's absence, Rushing has been thrust into an everyday role, and has impressed with his bat. The 25-year-old is hitting .253 with 12 home runs, 36 RBIs and an OPS of .809.This story will be updated (refresh the page for the fully updated article)...Sign up for our free newsletter and follow us on X/Twitter and Facebook for the latest news.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow