The Los Angeles Dodgers promote top prospect Dalton Rushing nearly one month ago to become their new backup catcher.
That led to the organization moving on from Austin Barnes, who was their longest-tenured position player at the time, which made it a difficult decision.
Barnes was not producing — nor had he been for the past three seasons — while Rushing was tearing up Triple-A with his bat.
At the time, the Dodgers explained their decision was to allow Rushing to continue developing and learn at the Major League level. They believed participating in game planning meetings would prove beneficial even if Rushing only started around twice per week.
There also was a belief he would be a bigger threat off the bench than Barnes was.
While Rushing’s bat has been his carrying card, he has not produced at the MLB level. Although it’s a limited sample, he’s hitting just .194/.237/.306 with a 52 wRC+, which is similar to the stat line Barnes produced at .214/.233/.286 with a 43 wRC+.
“He’s adjusting,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Rushing. “I think the catching part of it has been fantastic. Certainly, he’s used to getting hits, where it’s been a little bit more difficult. But I think he’s adjusting.
“This is the role. We have an All-Star catcher, so he’s got to make the adjustment as a young player. It’s certainly not easy, but he’s getting some runway and some opportunities.”
Young players typically aren’t called up to fill bench roles because teams would rather have their prospects getting everyday at-bats. In general, it’s also extremely difficult to have a limited role and still produce when called upon.
“I think obviously guys that don’t play every day, just try to take good at-bats and not try to hit a three-run homer with nobody on base,” Roberts said of the expectations. “Just try to conduct at-bats and not add anymore pressure or expectation.
“To be frank, his role is to dominate defensively and to continue to get better defensively. And what he does offensively, is additive. Certainly as a hit-first guy in his career, it’s an adjustment.
“I think the No. 1 thing is adjusting the mindset first. When you start hitting second, third, fourth and fifth, then there might be a different conversation. But when you’re hitting eighth, be a good defensive catcher. Which he’s really doing right now.”
Eventually, the Dodgers would like to see more offensive results from Rushing, but that could be delayed until they increase his role and allow him the opportunity to get consistent at-bats.
After this season, the Dodgers may need to find a way to get both Will Smith and Rushing in the lineup on a daily basis. If they are unable to do that, a trade may be the most valuable outcome for both Rushing and the team.
Dalton Rushing improving on defense
Roberts has seen positive results from Rushing so far, and controlling a pitching staff is often one of the last skills a catcher truly develops.
“It’s been great,” Roberts said. “For me, he’s given us everything we could’ve hoped for at this point in time. We still want the player to want more for himself, certainly as far as offensive production, but what he’s done, been great.”
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