Shohei Ohtani and Dalton Rushing were the Los Angeles Dodgers’ battery again on Friday night for the first time since their miscommunication heard around the world on June 24.
Ohtani was initially lined up to take the mound in the series finale against the Athletics, but the Dodgers pushed his start back two days in order to provide him with extra rest and have the right-hander face two National League West opponents before the All-Star break. Though, a right bicep issue might prompt the team to skip Ohtani’s next turn in the rotation.
But whether he had faced the A’s or once it became clear Ohtani instead would pitch against the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers committed to keeping him paired with Rushing.
Dalton Rushing on same page with Shohei Ohtani
Indications coming out of the mishap with Rushing were that Ohtani would likely call his own pitches the next time he started. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before Friday’s game that he actually anticipated Rushing being who primarily called the game.
That did come to be, with Rushing noting he called the “majority” of Ohtani’s 110 pitches against the Padres. Rushing added he felt in alignment with Ohtani but candidly admitted that calling pitches for the two-way star can be challenging.
“I felt tonight I had a good idea of what he was trying to do. I thought we were on the same page a lot tonight,” Rushing began. “That’s a boost of confidence moving forward. He’s not an easy guy to call for, but he’s who he is for a reason. I’m glad we were on the same page for most of the night and I’m looking forward to his next one.”
Rushing then was asked what makes calling the game for Ohtani so challenging.
“A lot of pitches that are really good. A lot of options. I think that’s the best way to put it,” he answered.
Another obstacle for Rushing, or Will Smith, in navigating a game with Ohtani the pitcher is that he doesn’t always with the catcher in the dugout like a normal starter would because of his hitting duties.
“Yeah, it’s tough,” Rushing said. “We have to lean on Mark (Prior) a little bit. For translation, obviously Will (Ireton) will help me out, but Mark will communicate between the two of us. It makes it a little tougher, obviously, but I think he does a great job with it.
“Like I said, I thought we were on the same page a lot tonight.”
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