Dalton Rushing has made headlines this season, and not just for his play on the field as a breakout hitter in his second season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Rushing has been at the center of multiple controversies, including instances in which he allegedly used profanities toward opposing players. It’s not clear what the backstop actually said, but he has spoken with players on the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants to clear up any misunderstandings.
Regardless of what was said, Rushing is aware of the public perception and wants to be known for his play on the field, rather than what he says, via Jack Harris of the California Post.
“You never want to be viewed as a guy like that from opposing teams,” Rushing told The California Post on Saturday. “You want guys to hate playing against you because of the player that you are and how great you are on a baseball field. Not because of the verbalized things you say.”
The first of Rushing’s comments came when he appeared to say “[expletive] ’em” as Jung Hoo Lee sat at home plate upon being thrown out to end the sixth inning.
Television cameras captured Rushing looking back toward home plate and appearing to deliver the F-bomb, which quickly went viral on social media. However, Rushing denied those claims and reached out to Lee with help from Hyeseong Kim.
The second moment came when television cameras captured Nico Hoerner looking surprised in the batter’s box after Rushing made his comment. Hoerner later regretted that he didn’t confront Rushing as a show of support for his teammate.
Rushing didn’t take offense to that and reached out to Hoerner.
In addition to his alleged profanities, Rushing was also accused of making a dirty slide against the Giants and alleged that the Colorado Rockies were cheating.
He later had a moment arguing with an umpire, but replay clearly showed he was not at fault after calling for time out twice.
Dalton Rushing’s breakout season
In the midst of all this controversy, Rushing has also been one of the best offensive catchers in baseball.
The 25-year-old is hitting .340/.415/.830 with seven home runs, 17 RBI, 13 runs scored, a 238 wRC+ and 1.0 WAR in just 16 games after batting just .204/.258/.324 during his rookie season.
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