Ben Rortvedt has had an eventful tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers despite only playing in 34 career games for the organization over parts of two seasons.
The 28-year-old journeyman has been designated for assignment and claimed by the Dodgers multiple times this season alone. He was most recently DFA’d by L.A. on Tuesday, with Will Smith and Dalton Rushing activated from the injured list.
Rortvedt cleared waivers on Thursday and was outrighted to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets. He has the option to reject the Minor League assignment and become a free agent, but that doesn’t figure to be the likely course of action given it would also result in Rortvedt forfeiting the remainder of his MLB salary this season.
It was the third time within the past 12 months that the backstop had been DFA’d by the Dodgers. He was claimed by the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets the previous two times.
Hunter Feduccia remained on the roster as the third catcher and primary backup behind Smith due to Rushing’s inability to play the field at the moment.
Rushing had been out since Aug. 3 because of a slight UCL tear in his right elbow. He is eager to return at full capacity, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is still hesitant to allow him to attempt high-intensity throws.
Rushing will not see the field outside of pinch-hit opportunities for the time being, but Roberts believes the second-year player is more than capable of contributing off the bench
Rortvedt hit .185/.185/.185 in 27 at-bats with the Dodgers this season.
Ben Rortvedt’s unusual Dodgers’ career
The Dodgers were reunited with Rortvedt at the trade deadline after acquiring him from the Mets in exchange for Minor League pitcher Chayce McDermott.
He had been with the Mets since Feb. 15, following a 12-day stretch in which he bounced around to three different organizations, including the Dodgers from Feb. 6-11.
He joined the Reds’ organization in the offseason after they claimed him off waivers from the Dodgers following the conclusion of the 2025 season.
Rortvedt signed a $1.25 million deal with the Dodgers to avoid arbitration. The two sides agreed to the contract before the 28-year-old was put on waivers, signaling that L.A. hoped to pass him through unclaimed.
In 34 games across two seasons with the Dodgers, Rortvedt has hit .211/.268/.276, with two doubles, one home run, five RBI and seven runs scored.
He quickly became a fan favorite in his first season with the Dodgers, with his walkup song in particular capturing people’s attention.
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