BALTIMORE -- Dodgers rookie catcher and first baseman Dalton Rushing departed in the sixth inning of Friday’s series opener at the Orioles after fouling a ball off the inside of his right knee.

Rushing immediately crumpled to the ground after his swing. He hobbled off on one leg with his arms over the shoulders of manager Dave Roberts and a team medical staff member. The Dodgers said Rushing exited the game with a right lower leg contusion.

Pinch-hitter Alex Call completed a strikeout in the at-bat Rushing started. Ben Rortvedt assumed the catching duties in the bottom of the frame.

Presuming he’s unavailable for an extended stint, Rushing’s absence comes at an inopportune time for The Boys in Blue; three-time All-Star catcher Will Smith is day to day with a right hand contusion and

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