The Los Angeles Dodgers top prospect Dalton Rushing was promoted for his MLB debut earlier this season, and he took over the backup catcher role as Austin Barnes was designated for assignment and subsequently released.
While Rushing presents more upside than Barnes, he has largely struggled at the plate since making his debut in May. Over 33 games played, Rushing is hitting just .187/.257/.253 with three doubles, one home run and 13 RBI.
The 24-year-old has been relegated to inconsistent playing time with Will Smith locked in as the Dodgers’ starter behind home plate. To make up for that, Rushing has occasionally appeared at first base.
Rushing also has experience in left field from his time with Triple-A Oklahoma City, but he is not an option to play there at the Major League level.
“I think certainly the bat got him here, the performance got him here,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Rushing. “Yeah, he can handle first base, I’ve run him out there. I don’t feel good with him in left field, but he’s done it.
“I think that right now, the main thing is spell Will, continue to be good behind the plate, which he has been and which he was [Saturday] night as well. And then just take the at-bats like he took [Saturday] night, and we’ll grow from there.”
While it could have been beneficial to find Rushing more opportunities at other positions, the Dodgers are primarily concerned with his ability to handle the pitching staff and perform well defensively.
The notion that Rushing would not play left field in 2025 was first mentioned during Spring Training, when Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said the organization wanted him to focus on continuing to develop as a catcher.
Dalton Rushing part of triple play
Rushing was in the lineup on Tuesday night and saw himself become part of a rare feat as the Angels completed a triple play.
It started when Zach Neto caught Shohei Ohtani’s line drive and stepped on second base for a double play. Neto then fired over to first base, where Rushing went down awkwardly in his attempt to get back. Rushing was slow to get up but remained in the game.
“I’m good. I banged my head a little bit,” he said after the Dodgers’ walk-off loss in extra innings. “I think it was more frustration of the situation than anything. I’m doing fine. I’m good to go tomorrow, whenever my next game is. Just a tough situation.”
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