Dodgers News: Ben Rortvedt Claimed Off Waivers by Reds
Benny Biceps’ time in Dodger Blue is over after the Reds claimed the journeyman backstop
LOS ANGELES, CA—In what was a surprising move that went unannounced, the Los Angeles Dodgers placed journeyman catcher Ben Rortvedt on waivers, and the 28-year-old was claimed today by the Cincinnati Reds.
It was not previously reported that Rortvedt was designated for assignment and went through waivers. He finished the season as the Dodgers’ main backup catcher and unexpectedly became a contributor.
Rortvedt was one of the few players acquired by the Dodgers at the 2025 trade deadline, coming in via a three-team deal with the Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays, which also sent longtime minor league catcher Hunter Feduccia to the Rays.
In a move that was largely seen as an afterthought, it ended up paying dividends after injuries to both Will Smith and rookie Dalton Rushing.
Rushing became the Dodgers’ main catcher for the remainder of the regular season. He finished with a batting line of .224/.309/.327, recording two doubles, one home run, and four RBIs over 18 games. During the postseason, he also started four additional games while Will Smith recovered from his fractured hand.
However, Rortvedt did not play in the playoffs after Game 2 of the National League Division Series, as by that time Smith was considered fully recovered from a hairline fracture in his right hand and ready to resume starting duties behind the plate.
Most of Rortvedt’s influence was on the Dodgers’ pitching staff, where he was praised for quickly adapting and effectively supporting game plans.
The Dodgers’ decision to DFA Rortvedt makes sense in the grand scheme of the roster, as he was out of minor league options, and if the team didn’t figure to carry three catchers on next year’s 26-man roster, Rortvedt would’ve been the odd man out in the trio of Smith, Rushing, and himself.
With the claim and Rortvedt no longer part of the organization, the Dodgers’ 40-man roster now sits at 39 players.
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