Dalton Rushing Steps Up His Game with Will Smith and Aims for a Smoother Season Ahead

Dalton Rushing Reflects on First MLB Season with Dodgers

PHOENIX — Dalton Rushing’s inaugural season in Major League Baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers was not without its challenges. Following his call-up in May, the promising prospect played 53 games, concluding the season with a batting average of .204, a .258 on-base percentage, and a .582 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. He recorded four home runs and 24 RBIs, marking a notable transition as it was one of the few times in his baseball career—besides his freshman year at the University of Louisville—that he was not a regular starter.

“It was very, very up and down,” Rushing remarked. “It was some good, some bad, some ugly. A lot of things were new to me; the scattering of playing time was tough. It was a little tough being able to stay on top of compete mode, keep the swing in a good spot.”

Despite these hurdles, Rushing found satisfaction in the season’s conclusion. “I got to win a World Series with this team,” he said. “It’s hard to look back and think, ‘I’d take this back or I’d take that back.’ It went exactly how it was planned.”

Now, Rushing’s position within the team is clearer as he serves as the backup catcher for three-time All-Star Will Smith. Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Rushing’s development. “Dalton’s in a good spot right now,” Roberts commented. “I want him to understand his role as a backup catcher, what that entails, really learn the pitchers, learn the swing that works for playing a couple times a week."

Roberts also indicated plans to utilize Rushing at first base as needed. However, he explicitly noted that Rushing will not play in the outfield, where he had some experience in the minors. “Outfield’s not on the table,” Roberts confirmed, adding that he aims to provide Rushing with opportunities to demonstrate his skills when possible.

During Saturday’s Cactus League opener against the Angels, Rushing drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in three at-bats. He embraces his role within a team that is striving for a third consecutive championship. “If I can keep myself ready to play two or three times a week, then it’s going to be easy to keep myself ready to play five or six,” Rushing said. “To be able to go through something like this early in my career… I think it’s a really good start to my career, to be able to understand how this game works.”

Rushing sees significant value in playing behind Smith, whom he regards as one of baseball’s elite catchers, believing this experience will aid in his development. “I have a spot to work behind the best catcher in baseball,” Rushing stated. “It’s up to me to take advantage of those opportunities and continue to put myself on the field as much as possible.”

With his focus firmly on team success, Rushing has set winning as his primary objective for the season. “The main goal, especially with this role, is I’m going to win as many [games as] possible,” he declared. “I want to win 110 games in the regular season as a Dodger. We’re fully capable of it.”

In related developments, Shohei Ohtani threw 33 pitches during a live batting practice session before the Dodgers’ 5-1 victory against the San Diego Padres. Ohtani struck out both Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts and expressed confidence in his performance as he prepares to join Team Japan for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

As the Dodgers gear up for the season, Rushing and his teammates remain focused on their shared goals and the pursuit of excellence on the field.