Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The makeup of this Los Angeles Dodgers team is primarily older veterans, especially among position players. In that sense, Dalton Rushing and Andy Pages are two of the building blocks of L.A.’s future.
On almost any other team, Rushing would’ve had the opportunity to earn the starting job behind the plate after his performance in the Minors over the past two years. But the Dodgers aren’t just any other team, as they have one of the game’s best catchers on their roster.
Rushing did not put together the type of season expected of a top prospect, as he struggled to find any rhythm at the plate with the sporadic playing time he received as the backup catcher.
Smith has taken on Rushing as his protégé in year two, offering lessons on hitting and team culture, according to Fabian Ardaya of the Athletic:
They spent days swinging in the organization’s hitting lab, though Smith’s advice shifted from beyond what Rushing was trying to do with the bat in his hand.
“Not just (how to be a) hitter,” Rushing told The Athletic. “But a Dodger.”
The veteran catcher offered the wisdom he has gained over the course of seven-years in the Majors and how the Dodgers helped him become the player he is today. The three All-Star and two All-MLB second team selections speak for themselves:
As Rushing explained this spring, it was a lesson that doubled as, essentially the Dodgers way’
“To be one of the best ones on the field at all times, to grow as a player, to be able to get my full potential out of myself,” Rushing said.
With the experience of last season and preseason preparation, Rushing feels prepared to face the challenge head-on, specifically, how to be a backup catcher when he’s been used to playing every day:
That starts with Rushing embracing his current role, which Rushing called “a really, really hard spot to be in.
“But if you can master this role, it only makes being an everyday player that much easier,” he said. “We want to be the best catching duo in baseball, and I think we have a really, really strong chance at that.”
Rushing did finish last season on a high note, batting .286/.310/.464 with two doubles and one home run in 28 at-bats during the final month of the 2025 regular season.
Dodgers want Dalton Rushing to ‘understand’ his role
Rushing will get the majority of his playing time at catcher on days when Smith isn’t in the lineup. He could also occasionally spell Freddie Freeman at first base, but playing the outfield won’t be an option for him this year.
That makes it nearly impossible for Rushing to record a significant amount of at-bats, so Roberts outlined his goals for Rushing this season, which include simplifying his swing and continuing to learn the Dodgers’ pitching staff.
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