The Los Angeles Dodgers called up Dalton Rushing on Wednesday amid a firm belief the organization’s top prospect was plenty ready for his Major League opportunity.
The Dodgers’ intend Rushing for to serve as the backup catcher going forward, with manager Dave Roberts envisioning about two starts per week and additional pinch-hit opportunities.
Rushing made his MLB debut behind the plate on Thursday against the Oakland Athletics, batting seventh and going 2-for-4 with one walk.
“It was pretty special,” Rushing said after the game. “Obviously, first and foremost, it’s a series win. That’s the most important part. But I was able to accomplish a few lifelong goals. Obviously that was pretty special.”
With his first game in the books, Rushing became the fourth Dodgers rookie to wear an MLB debut patch on his jersey this season. Roki Sasaki and Jack Dreyer previously did so at the beginning of the season when they both pitched in the Tokyo Series, while Hyeseong Kim earned his patch earlier this month.
The MLB debut patch began as a partnership between MLB, the Players Association (MLBPA), Fanatics Collectibles and Topps in 2023. Players who make their MLB debut have a commemorative jersey patch on their sleeve, which is then authenticated for use in subsequent Topps products.
Michael Busch was the first Dodgers rookie to receive the special jersey patch under the partnership. He has since been joined by Bryan Hudson, Nick Robertson, Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, Ricky Vanasco, Landon Knack, Andy Pages, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Justin Wrobleski, River Ryan, Ben Casparius, Sasaki, Dreyer, Kim and now Rushing.
Dalton Rushing’s role with the Dodgers
Rushing will not be playing every day, but he can still prove to be an impactful member of the roster when called upon. The Dodgers intend to manage Will Smith’s workload throughout the season, with a fair share of off days to keep him fresh heading into the playoffs.
The effectiveness of the Dodgers’ strategy should become apparent in the months ahead. Smith saw a steep decline in production during the month of May in 2024, batting .212/.302/.471. The results this season have been much better, with a current .343/.455/.429 slash line.
While sitting a player who has a .912 on-base plus slugging percentage and 160 wRC+ this season is not ideal, Rushing offers much more offensive upside to bridge the gap when Smith isn’t in the lineup compared to Austin Barnes.
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