Dalton Rushing has been in the spotlight for on-field incidents over the past month involving several Los Angeles Dodgers opponents and an umpire.
The 25-year-old first alleged something “fishy” with the Colorado Rockies’ success against Will Klein during a series at Coors Field. That was followed by Rushing appearing to direct expletives towards the San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee and Miguel Amaya of the Chicago Cubs. He also became irate with home-plate umpire Clint Vondrak upon striking out via pitch clock violation during a recent game.
Dodgers vice president of baseball operations Billy Gasparino said Rushing has a tendency to get under opposing players’ skin, but is a completely different person around his teammates, via Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo of The Athletic:
“He can be polarizing at times,” said Billy Gasparino, the Dodgers’ assistant general manager who helps run their drafts. “I think the one thing that stands out to me is he loves baseball. He’s super knowledgeable. He loves to talk. Behind the intense competitor, there’s like a pretty good guy in there that likes his teammates and would do anything for them.”
To Rushing’s credit, he 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.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and some veteran teammates spoke with Rushing about his behavior. Though, it was from the standpoint of offering advice and guidance on how to best channel his demeanor, rather than attempting to fully restrain him.
Miguel Amaya sends warning to Dalton Rushing
In response to the incident with Amaya, Rushing made an effort to clear the air. He contacted Nico Hoerner through their shared agent after the infielder said he regretted not confronting the Dodgers’ second-year catcher.
The disparaging message, which Rushing did not confirm to have said, hasn’t seemed to upset Amaya. But Amaya did make it clear that action would be taken if Rushing continued to be involved in mishaps.
The Dodgers and Cubs aren’t due to face each other again until a three-game series at Wrigley Field that starts Monday, Aug. 3. Given that more than three months will have passed, the assumption is cooler heads will prevail and Rushing won’t necessarily be targeted by the Cubs for retribution.
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