Dalton Rushing has been everything the Los Angeles Dodgers could have hoped for entering his first full season with the team, but of late has found himself at the center of negative press due to being involved in multiple controversies.
Manager Dave Roberts and other clubhouse leaders want Rushing to maintain his competitiveness, but have cautioned him to be more cognizant going forward, according to Jack Harris of the California Post.
Even after the recent bouts of drama, manager Dave Roberts said the club doesn’t “want to take the fire out of him.”
At the same time, though, Roberts has cautioned Rushing “to be mindful” of his outbursts. Others in the clubhouse have reinforced the same message.
“He’s bringing stuff onto himself he doesn’t need to bring on,” Roberts said. “There’s a responsibility to not be reckless because everything is captured.”
The second-year player has found himself in hot water after he allegedly used profanities toward opposing players. It’s not clear what Rushing actually said, but he has spoken with players on the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants to clear up any misunderstandings.
Rushing is aware of his current perception and wants to take the necessary steps toward being known for his play on the field rather than making negative headlines.
Rushing certainly deserves credit for blossoming under a difficult role on the Dodgers roster as the backup catcher to Will Smith. He has been one of the best offensive catchers in baseball, and certainly the best backup behind the plate.
Will Smith helped Dalton Rushing
Rushing did not put together the type of season expected of a top prospect last year as he struggled to find any rhythm at the plate with the sporadic playing time he received in a role off the bench.
But this season has been a completely different story.
That is thanks, in part, to the guidance Rushing received from Will Smith. The veteran catcher has taken on the sophomore as his protégé this season, offering lessons on hitting and team culture.
Rushing set his goal to form the best catching duo in the Majors alongside Smith, and it’s safe to say the pair is well on their way to accomplishing that. Smith has had a bit of a down season thus far, but still has the 16th best wRC+ among all catchers with at least 40 plate appearances.
Rushing is No. 1 on that list and the Dodgers are the only team with two players in the top-16.
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