Dalton Rushing has logged 30 starts behind the plate in the Dodgers’ last 42 games, a monster stretch that’s easily the busiest catching workload of his young career. Since Will Smith went down on June 5, Rushing has been thrown into the fire, and he’s clearly making the most of it.
This Kid Can PLAY
Once a bat-first prospect who bounced between designated hitter, first base, and even left field in the minors, Rushing is now locked in behind the dish, and the numbers don’t lie. He’s hitting a solid .246/.333/.463 with an impressive 119 wRC+ on the season. Crucially, the Dodgers are “pleased with his progress on defense,” a massive step for a player thrust into this role. Manager Roberts didn’t pull any punches either, saying Rushing “certainly can play here on an every-day basis.” He’s catching top-tier pitchers, facing tough matchups, and constantly growing. Roberts also highlighted his emotional management, vital for an everyday backstop. With Will Smith still out “a long while,” this isn’t a temporary gig; Rushing is truly getting his shot.
Trade Deadline Shocker?
Here’s where it gets interesting, especially with the trade deadline just a week away. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman dropped a bomb: they’re not eyeing a “frontline catcher.” What? With Rushing emerging and Smith out long-term, you’d think they might want insurance. Friedman did say “adding catching depth would be helpful,” but that’s a far cry from a blockbuster move. This decision says everything about their faith in Rushing. But wait, there’s more trade drama! Reports from Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times indicate acquiring two-time Cy Young Award-winner Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers is “unlikely.” It seems “the Dodgers don’t appear to be moving toward a trade for Skubal.” So much for that dream ace.
A Nod to a Legend
While all this deadline drama unfolds, one Dodgers legend took a moment in the spotlight. Rick Monday, whose voice usually fills the English-language radio booth, was in Cooperstown for the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction weekend. José Mota stepped in. Monday was honored Saturday for the 50th anniversary of his incredible 1976 moment when he stopped an American flag from being burned on the field at Dodger Stadium. His words, “That flag still has a life,” echo through history. It’s a powerful reminder of the deep roots and history woven into this game.
The trade deadline is one week from Monday, and with Smith still sidelined and Skubal apparently off the table, the Dodgers’ moves will be telling. Can Rushing continue to shoulder the load and prove he’s the real deal? Or will Friedman surprise everyone with a different kind of depth addition? Keep your eyes peeled, because the next week is going to be wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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