Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing faced widespread social media backlash after an on-field exchange with Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras during an Automated Ball-Strike challenge on Sunday, May 24, at American Family Field.
In the second inning of the Dodgers' 5-1 victory, Brewers pitcher Brandon Sproat threw a high-inside fastball initially ruled a ball.
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Contreras challenged the call, and replay showed the pitch was clearly in the strike zone.
Television cameras captured Rushing shaking his head and telling Contreras the pitch was a ball, contradicting the automated system.
The incident quickly went viral, with fans and commentators criticizing the 25-year-old backup catcher for perceived arrogance, according to reports from Heavy.
com and Reviewing the Brew.
The backlash adds to a series of early-season controversies involving Rushing, including public accusations against the Colorado Rockies and an altercation with San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee.
Rushing addressed his aggressive reputation in an interview. "You never want to be viewed as a guy like that from opposing teams," he said.
"You want guys to hate playing against you because of the player that you are and how great you are on a baseball field.
Not because of the verbalized things you say."
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He attributed his mindset to his football background. "I played football half my life," Rushing added.
"So I compete a little differently, I click a little differently."
Despite the scrutiny, Rushing broke a six-game hitless streak over the weekend, going 2-for-7 in two starts.
He now holds a . 263/.
352/. 550 slash line with seven home runs and 17 RBIs through 91 games.
"Finally hit a ball to the left side of the field," Rushing said. "I think that tells me a lot about where I'm at right now.
I think we're trending in the right direction. It's all starting to come together, and I'm excited for it."
The Dodgers return to California to face the Colorado Rockies on Monday, May 25, at 6:10 P.
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M. PST at Dodger Stadium.
