Dalton Rushing has become the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting catcher since Will Smith was placed on the injured list with a neck injury earlier this season.
The 25-year-old has handled a heavy workload behind the plate, showing progress both offensively and defensively.
Rushing has started 30 of the Dodgers' last 42 games. Over 71 games this season, he is batting .
256 with an . 813 OPS, 11 home runs, and 33 RBIs, along with 35 runs scored and 12 doubles.
Manager Dave Roberts praised Rushing's development under the demanding schedule of an everyday catcher. "He's proven that he certainly can play here on an every-day basis," Roberts said.
"When you're an every-day catcher, you don't get to cherry-pick when you play. So he's playing against really good pitchers.
He's catching different pitchers. So he's growing."
Roberts also noted Rushing's emotional growth. "I think he's also understanding that to play more you've got to manage your emotions more.
It's just hard to be hot and cold when you're playing five days a week.
It's all a part of his growth, which has been fun for me to watch," he added.
Rushing acknowledged the challenge of adapting to a regular role.
"I wasn't used to the role last year, and by no means do I want to say I wished for this opportunity.
But I was making sure if it was given, that I was going to do my best to show them that I could play," he said.
He broke a recent slump with a strong performance against the Philadelphia Phillies, going 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.
Roberts commended his controlled at-bats and resilience after a difficult stretch, saying, "I just saw the downshift. I saw a controlled at-bat."
Despite Rushing's sporadic offensive production — a . 222 average and .
727 OPS during his 30 starts without Smith — the Dodgers have won 21 of those games, highlighting his positive impact on team performance.
President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman confirmed the team's confidence in Rushing, stating they are not seeking a front-line catcher before the trade deadline but are open to adding depth.
"We wouldn't be focused on guys where it would impede Dalton's development," Friedman said.
"Even if Will were back tomorrow, it's always an area that you can look to strengthen."
Will Smith remains on the injured list with an inflamed disc and is gradually resuming baseball activities. Manager Roberts noted, "He's pain-free.
He's getting back into being more active. What that means, I don't really know yet."
