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.
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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.
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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.
