The Dodgers lost a member of their World Series-winning roster Wednesday, when catcher Ben Rortvedt was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds.
Loading twitter content…
Rortvedt, 28, was the backup catcher to Will Smith, who caught every inning of the Dodgers’ seven-game victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.
More news: Dodgers Lose World Series-Winning Outfielder to Giants
Coincidentally, Rortvedt — not Smith — was not behind the plate for both of the Dodgers’ Wild Card series wins against the Reds. The 28-year-old journeyman filled in while Smith recovered from a fracture in his right hand, an injury that caused Smith to finish the regular season on the injured list.
Rortvedt also started two of the Dodgers’ four National League Division Series games against the Philadelphia Phillies, then backed up Smith for the remainder of the postseason.
Rortvedt, is a career .190/.279/.270 hitter in 227 major league games with the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and Dodgers from 2021-25.
More news: Yankees Hall of Famer Has Message for Clayton Kershaw During Dodgers Parade
The Dodgers acquired Rortvedt from the Tampa Bay Rays in July along with pitcher Paul Gervase for Hunter Fedducia. He had modest success after the trade, hitting .224 with one home run, two doubles, and four RBIs in 18 regular season games.
Rortvedt went 3 for 7 with a double in his four postseason games.
More news: Yasiel Puig Gets Honest About Returning to Dodgers, MLB
Despite his contributions as the Dodgers chased down an eventual champion, it wasn’t a surprise that Rortvedt found his way onto the waiver wire. He had exhausted his minor league options earlier in his career, and offered valuable experience to other teams that aspire to dethrone the Dodgers in 2026.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are expected to turn over backup catcher duties to Dalton Rushing, recently the organization’s top position player prospect. Rushing hit .204 with four home runs in a 53-game cameo with the Dodgers in 2025.
For more Major League Baseball news, visit Newsweek Sports.
