Rortvedt’s Departure: A New Chapter in Cincinnati
Ben Rortvedt’s journey with the Los Angeles Dodgers, while impactful, took an unexpected turn as the Cincinnati Reds claimed him off waivers. The catcher, who found his footing in the latter part of the Dodgers’ season, has now set his sights on a fresh start in Cincinnati.
A Rocky Start in Tampa Bay
Rortvedt kicked off the season with the Tampa Bay Rays, but his offensive struggles were glaring. He managed a meager .096 batting average and recorded just one RBI in the first two months. This lackluster performance led the Rays to send him down to Triple-A in May, where he spent the ensuing months honing his skills.
Dodgers’ Strategic Move
As the trade deadline approached, the Dodgers sought to bolster their roster. They orchestrated a three-team trade involving the Reds and the Rays, acquiring Rortvedt along with Adam Serwinowski and Paul Gervase, in exchange for Hunter Feduccia. This strategic move aimed to address Los Angeles’s depth issues behind the plate.
Finding His Rhythm in Triple-A
Upon joining the Dodgers organization, Rortvedt continued his development with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Over 17 games, he demonstrated improvement, batting .228 with two home runs and six RBIs. His performance earned him a call-up to the big leagues at the start of September, coinciding with injuries to key players Will Smith and Dalton Rushing.
Stepping Up in the Spotlight
Rortvedt quickly transitioned from the minors to a starting role, showing resilience during a challenging stretch for the Dodgers. He played 18 games before the regular season concluded, batting .224. His contributions included his first home run of the season and three RBIs. As the playoffs commenced, he took the starting position for the first four games of the Dodgers’ World Series run, where he collected three hits in seven at-bats and posted a solid OPS of .1071.
A Grateful Departure
Following his claim by the Reds, Rortvedt took a moment to express his gratitude to the Dodgers organization and its fanbase. “It was tough when I came in but I really appreciate the support,” he reflected. “It’s been really cool to come in and try to do my job but feel support from the fans and be able to be myself.” His heartfelt message encapsulates the bond he formed with the team and its supporters during his time in Los Angeles.
As Rortvedt embarks on this new chapter with the Reds, Dodger fans will remember his contributions during a critical phase of the season. Both the player and the organization now turn the page, looking forward to what lies ahead.
