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The Dodgers released catcher Chuckie Robinson and signed Chadwick Tromp to a minor league contract, per staff at Dodger Blue. With Will Smith and Dalton Rushing both on the injured list, the organization needed to shore up its catching depth, and this pair of moves addresses that directly.

Robinson’s time with the Dodgers was defined by brief, scattered big-league stints over parts of two seasons. He never quite carved out a consistent role at the major league level, and the organization ultimately decided to move on. It’s never easy to see a guy get released — Robinson did what was asked of him when called upon — but the Dodgers clearly felt they needed a different option behind the plate in the upper minors while their top two catchers work their way back.

Tromp is a familiar name if you follow the fringes of major league rosters. The right-handed-hitting catcher has bounced around several organizations and has major league experience, which matters here. He’s a veteran presence who knows how to handle a pitching staff and can step in without a learning curve if the Dodgers need emergency help at the big-league level. He slots into the Triple-A depth chart alongside Eliezer Alfonzo and Griffin Lockwood-Powell, giving Oklahoma City some experienced options behind the plate.

The bigger picture, of course, is the health of Smith and Rushing. Smith has been the backbone of this catching corps for years now, and Rushing represents the future at the position (and potentially at first base). As long as both remain on the IL, the Dodgers are operating with Hunter Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt handling the catching duties at the major league level. That’s a serviceable tandem, but it’s not what you draw up for a team with championship aspirations. Every layer of depth matters.

I think this is a smart, quiet move. Tromp isn’t going to generate headlines, but he’s the kind of organizational signing that keeps you from being caught completely off guard if another injury hits. The Dodgers have been diligent about maintaining depth all season — this is more of the same. The real news we’re all waiting for is when Smith and Rushing are ready to come back. Until then, moves like this one keep the machine running.

Source(s): Staff (Dodger Blue) | First reported: August 15, 2026 6:44 PM UTC

God Bless and Go Dodgers