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With the trade deadline looming at 3 p.m. PT, the Los Angeles Dodgers made another move to bolster their catching depth, bringing back a familiar face. Hunter Feduccia, who was dealt away by the Dodgers at last year's deadline, is returning to the organization in a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. Alongside Feduccia, the Dodgers also acquired right-handed pitcher Jack Kmatz from Tampa Bay.
To complete the transaction, the Dodgers parted ways with outfielder Jack Suwinski and additional international bonus pool money. Suwinski, 28, has spent the entire 2026 season in the minors, playing for Triple-A Oklahoma City. In 93 games, he has posted a .291 batting average with 21 home runs, 72 RBIs, and a .947 OPS. The Dodgers had claimed Suwinski off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates before the season began. With his departure, a spot in the Triple-A outfield opens up, potentially paving the way for top prospect Josue De Paula to earn a promotion.
Why the Dodgers Added Two Catchers
The Dodgers have now acquired Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt on Monday, both of whom have prior ties to the organization. This flurry of moves comes in response to injuries to catchers Will Smith and Dalton Rushing, which have left a significant void on the roster. Smith has been sidelined since early June due to an inflamed disc in his neck. Manager Dave Roberts provided an update over the weekend, noting that Smith has resumed baseball activities but remains at least three to four weeks away from returning. "I know Will is anxious to get back out there," Roberts said. "But there still has to be a progression and games played. I just don't see it before three or four weeks." Rushing, meanwhile, was scratched from Sunday night's game against the Boston Red Sox due to minor arm irritation and is not in Monday's lineup against the Chicago Cubs. His situation could lead to an injured list stint, prompting the Dodgers to add depth behind the plate.
Who Is Hunter Feduccia?
Feduccia, 29, was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 12th round of the 2018 MLB Draft and spent his entire career in the organization until last trade deadline, when he was sent to the Rays in a three-team deal involving the Cincinnati Reds. In seven games with the Dodgers across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, he batted 4-for-14 (.286). Over 96 games with the Rays in 2025 and 2026, he hit .203 with two home runs, 20 RBIs, and a .580 OPS.
Who Is Jack Kmatz?
Kmatz, a fifth-round pick by the Rays in the 2024 MLB Draft, has impressed in the minors this season. Across 33 appearances at Double-A and High-A, he has compiled a 2.89 ERA with 74 strikeouts over 53 innings.