Dalton Rushing, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ top catching prospect, made a memorable Major League debut Thursday night against the Athletics. Rushing started behind the plate in place of Will Smith and quickly demonstrated why he has been one of the most anticipated call-ups in the Dodgers’ system. In his first plate appearance, Rushing drew a walk and scored on a Shohei Ohtani sacrifice fly. He followed that by recording his first MLB hit in the third inning- a 110 mph single up the middle- marking the hardest-hit first career hit by a Dodgers player since Statcast began tracking in 2015. Rushing finished the night 2-for-4 with three runs scored, contributing to a dominant 19-2 Dodgers victory, the second-largest margin of victory in a Dodgers player’s debut since 1900.
Rushing’s debut was statistically notable and significant for the Dodgers’ roster construction. His promotion came after the Dodgers designated veteran catcher Austin Barnes for assignment, a move prompted by Barnes’ continued struggles at the plate and Rushing’s strong performance at Triple-A Oklahoma City. Rushing had been hitting .308 with five home runs, five doubles, 17 RBIs, and a .938 OPS in 31 minor league games this season, making his call-up a logical next step for the organization.
Rushing’s Path to the Dodgers
Dalton Rushing, born in Memphis, Tennessee, was drafted by the Dodgers in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of the University of Louisville. He quickly established himself as a standout in the Dodgers’ minor league system, earning multiple player-of-the-week and player-of-the-month honors and selections to Futures Games and All-Star teams. Over his minor league career, Rushing posted a .277 batting average with 54 home runs and 185 RBIs in 921 at-bats, consistently demonstrating both offensive production and defensive reliability behind the plate.
His offensive output and the Dodgers’ need for depth and versatility at catcher influenced the decision to promote Rushing. With Will Smith entrenched as the starter, Rushing is expected to serve as Smith’s primary backup and provide a left-handed bat off the bench. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts described Rushing’s promotion as an opportunity to challenge the young catcher and help him acclimate to the major league pitching staff, a critical step in his development.
Dodgers’ World Series Odds and Standings Update
The Dodgers entered the 2025 season as the consensus favorites to repeat as World Series champions. As of mid-May, Los Angeles holds the best odds in MLB to win the title, with Canada’s trusted casino review site listing them between +220 and +310. This strong position reflects the team’s current performance and the depth of its roster. The Dodgers currently lead the National League West with a 29-15 record, maintaining a narrow advantage over the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants, both of whom are also off to strong starts.
Despite their status as favorites, the Dodgers face significant competition in the National League and across MLB. The New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and Chicago Cubs are all considered legitimate threats, each with odds ranging from +700 to +1600. In particular, the Padres and Giants are closely trailing the Dodgers in the division, while the Phillies and Braves have postseason experience and rosters built for October baseball. The Arizona Diamondbacks, who eliminated the Dodgers in the 2023 postseason, also remain a potential upset candidate.
The Dodgers’ odds are buoyed by a roster that includes recent additions such as Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, a deep bullpen anchored by Tanner Scott, and a lineup featuring Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. However, injuries to key pitchers have tested their depth, and the competitive NL West ensures that the path to another championship will not be without obstacles.
Preview: Dodgers vs. Angels Weekend Series
The Dodgers open a weekend series at Dodger Stadium against the Los Angeles Angels, a team that has struggled to find consistency in 2025. The Angels enter the series with a 17-25 record, losing five of their last seven games. Their offense has been hampered by the absence of Mike Trout, who is sidelined with a knee injury, leaving the Angels with limited production outside of shortstop Zach Neto and catcher Logan O’Hoppe. The Angels’ pitching staff has also struggled, with Friday’s starter Jack Kochanowicz carrying a 2-5 record and a 5.28 ERA.
For the Dodgers, Dustin May will start the series opener. The Dodgers’ offense, which leads the league in slugging percentage, is expected to have a significant advantage against the Angels’ pitching. The Dodgers’ lineup continues to be among the most productive in baseball, with substantial contributions from established stars and emerging players like Rushing.
The highlight of the weekend, however, will be Clayton Kershaw’s return. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is set to make his season debut on Saturday after recovering from offseason surgeries to address toe and knee injuries. Kershaw, now 37, missed the Dodgers’ postseason run last year and strongly desires to contribute to another championship campaign. His return comes at a critical time, as the Dodgers have already used 11 different starting pitchers this season due to injuries.
Kershaw’s presence provides stability to the rotation and serves as a morale boost for the team and its fans. Projections suggest Kershaw could contribute around 80 innings with an ERA near four, which would be a valuable addition as the Dodgers navigate the summer months and prepare for another postseason run.
