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Ben Rortvedt was designated for assignment and Alek Thomas was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City as the Los Angeles Dodgers made a flurry of roster moves on the first day active rosters expanded, per staff at Dodger Blue. The transactions signal organizational decisions about depth positioning and the need to create flexibility on the 40-man roster heading into the final month of the season.

Rortvedt‘s designation for assignment removes a catcher from the major league roster after the organization brought up Eliezer Alfonzo to provide additional catching depth. Rortvedt has seen limited action this season and his DFA indicates the organization prioritizes other catching options moving forward. His absence from the active roster streamlines the position and creates a clearer depth hierarchy behind Will Smith and Hunter Feduccia. For Rortvedt personally, the DFA begins the process of him being passed through waivers, which could result in a minor league assignment or release depending on whether another organization claims him. Either way, his time as a depth piece in this Dodgers organization has reached its conclusion.

Thomas was optioned after being briefly called up, a move that reflects the organization’s assessment of how much he can contribute to the major league roster heading into October. The center fielder has outfield depth behind him on this team, and the organization has determined that his development is better served with continued playing time in Triple-A rather than sitting on the major league bench. An option to the minors for a player in the postseason sprint typically signals the organization views him as depth insurance rather than an active contributor to the current roster. That assessment may be correct—with Kyle Tucker, Alex Call, and Teoscar Hernández in the outfield, there’s limited opportunity for a young prospect to get consistent at-bats at the major league level. Returning Thomas to Oklahoma City for regular playing time may actually accelerate his development better than riding the bench in Los Angeles.

For the Dodgers, these roster moves are about triage and roster management heading into the final month. We made room on the 40-man roster for Bobby Miller when he was recalled from Triple-A, necessitating these corresponding moves. This is the organizational reality of September rosters—constant shuffling to balance 40-man roster limits, active roster spots, and depth needs. The decision to move off Rortvedt and option Thomas suggests the organization is confident in its current depth at both positions and willing to consolidate roster spots to create flexibility elsewhere. That’s smart roster management when every spot matters heading into October.

Source(s): Staff (Dodger Blue) | First reported: September 9, 2026 2:10 PM UTC

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