The Los Angeles Dodgers were represented by Dalton Rushing in the 2023 MLB All-Star Futures Game at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Saturday, the first of many events of All-Star Week.
Rushing caught five innings in the National League’s 5-0 win over the American League. At the plate, Rushing was hit by a pitch in his lone plate appearance, and he would eventually come around to score. This was on-brand for the 22-year-old, as he ranks fifth in the Midwest League with nine HBP this season.
The Dodgers’ No. 3 prospect was the only member of a stacked farm system to be selected for the team, after Bobby Miller, Diego Cartaya and Miguel Vargas appeared in the 2022 Futures Game at Dodger Stadium. This season, Rushing has posted a league-leading .908 on-base plus slugging percentage with eight home runs, 35 RBI and a staggering 47 walks.
Milwaukee Brewers prospects had quite the game, as their No. 3 farmhand Jeferson Quero kicked off the scoring with an RBI single. Their No. 4 prospect Jacob Misiorowski dazzled on the mound, showcasing his triple-digit stuff while striking out the side in the fifth inning.
The 21-year-old might have the best stuff in Minor League Baseball after being selected in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Brewers. But the 2023 Futures Game MVP was crowned when Miami Marlins infielder Nasim Nuñez rocketed a bases-clearing double in the sixth inning.
Nuñez cracked the Marlins top-20 prospects prior to the season, and his extra-base hit was enough to earn him the 2023 Larry Doby Award handed out to the Futures Game MVP. He is the first Marlins prospect to take home the award.
When will Dalton Rushing make MLB debut?
Known for their ability to churn out productive catchers, the Dodgers snagged another fast riser in Rushing during the second Round of the 2022 MLB Draft. Playing his college ball at Louisville, the left-handed bat he possesses has made a name for itself with showing incredible pop at two levels in the Minors.
Rushing slugged eight homers in just 28 games for Rancho Cucamonga in his debut season, carrying a 1.317 on-base plus slugging. He earned a promotion to High-A with the Great Lake Loons, and has followed it up with another step forward.
However, the same reason why Rushing is a superb prospect in the Dodgers organization, is the same factor he might have a difficult time seeing time in MLB with them. He sits behind fellow top prospect Cartaya, who ranks as the best backstop in the Minor Leagues.
Whether he finds a way to vastly develop his game calling and ability to handle pitchers, the Dodgers know that Rushing’s bat will play, it’s just will he have an avenue to find a place as he progresses up.
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