The Dodgers’ backup catcher picture shifted again over the weekend, and this time the spotlight landed on Eliezer Alfonzo.
Los Angeles brought up Alfonzo and sent Chuckie Robinson back to Triple-A Oklahoma City, then moved Robinson off the roster on Monday when Carlos Duran was added to the 40-man roster. Duran stayed in the Minors with the Comets, but the roster shuffle still cleared a path for Alfonzo to get his first look in the majors.
That first look came in the series finale against the San Diego Padres, marking Alfonzo’s MLB debut. It was a milestone made heavier by what he had just learned: his stepmother and younger sister died in the Venezuela earthquakes.
Robinson had been on the Dodgers roster since Will Smith went on the injured list June 11, and he appeared to be the safer short-term answer. But he never made much of an impression in his brief stint, and that opened the door for Alfonzo.
“It was just more of we didn’t know initially how long Will was going to be down,” manager Dave Roberts explained of the decision. “So the easy fix was Chuckie. Then as it became a little bit more extended, we just wanted to take this opportunity to put eyes on Eliezer.”
Alfonzo is new to the organization, having signed with the Dodgers as a Minor League free agent on Nov. 17, 2025. Before that, he spent eight seasons in the Detroit Tigers farm system.
“It’s a switch-hitter, a younger player, prospect-type guy we got as a Minor League free agent just to kind of see what he can do,” Roberts said of Alfonzo. He further noted given that Smith is going to remain out into the second half of the season, Alfonzo should receive semi-regular opportunities while backing up Dalton Rushing.
“It just gives Eliezer a little bit of runway and for us to put eyes on him. He’s had a good start so far, so we’re excited to get him up here,” Roberts said.
Before his call-up, Alfonzo was producing at Triple-A, hitting .313/.392/.422 with 15 doubles, one home run and 17 RBI in 49 games for the Comets.
For now, the Venezuelan native is trying to take in the moment while dealing with a personal loss that hit far beyond baseball. He’s leaning on his wife and Miguel Rojas, among others, as he settles into life on the Dodgers roster.
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