After getting his first opportunity at the Major League level last year, Dalton Rushing is once again on track to be the Los Angeles Dodgers’ backup catcher this season.
Rushing, who was the Dodgers’ top prospect not too long ago, struggled with inconsistent playing time as a rookie. He hit just .204/.258/.324 with five doubles, four home runs and 24 RBI in 155 plate appearances across 53 games.
The Dodgers will have to get creative to find Rushing more opportunities this season, and manager Dave Roberts noted his desire to get the 25-year-old more at-bats, even though that may not be possible, via Katie Woo of The Athletic:
“I do want to get him at bats when I can,” Roberts said. “Ideally, we’d love for him to get 500 at-bats this year, to continue to evolve and catch innings.”
Rushing will get the majority of his playing time at catcher on days when Will Smith isn’t in the lineup. He could also occasionally spell Freddie Freeman at first base, but playing the outfield won’t be an option for him this year.
That makes it nearly impossible for Rushing to record 500 at-bats, so Roberts outlined his goals for Rushing this season, which include simplifying his swing and continuing to learn the Dodgers’ pitching staff:
“I want him to understand his role as a backup catcher,” Roberts said. “Really learn the pitchers, learn a swing that works for playing a couple times a week. He’s used to playing a lot more. But I think that just kind of still maturing, because it’s not easy to not play every day when you’re used to that.”
Roberts believes Rushing will have an easier time adjusting to his role after getting his first taste of the Majors in 2025:
“(It) comes with experience, knowing that you don’t know when you’re going to come into a game, but you’re watching, and you’re expecting to go into the game,” Roberts said. “As you start to watch and learn, you expect those spots. And you shouldn’t be surprised. So I expect that to be gone now this year.”
While consistent playing time figures to be a challenge this year, Rushing should benefit from having somewhat of an idea of what is expected of him as the Dodgers’ backup catcher.
The Dodgers appear to be completely committed to him in that role with Ben Rortvedt recently being claimed off waivers by the New York Mets.
Dalton Rushing’s 2026 Spring Training stats
Through two Cactus League games so far, Rushing has gone 2-for-5 with an RBI and hit by pitch. He should get more time behind the plate when Smith departs to join Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
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