While rookie Dalton Rushing has not been setting the world on fire with his offense, the Los Angeles Dodgers have revealed a unique set of circumstances around their catcher.
Since the position is at a premium, the Dodgers consider any offensive contributions a bonus. Manager Dave Roberts recently discussed Rushing and what they expect from the 24-year-old.

Dave Roberts Wants Dalton Rushing to Focus on Defense
The team already has two-time All-Star Will Smith, but the 30-year-old still needs a day off occasionally. With Rushing batting lefty, he is the perfect change of pace catcher that has seemingly already found his spot on the reigning World Series Champions. Rushing is hitting just .194 through his first 36 at-bats, but Roberts isn’t concerned.
“He’s adjusting,” Roberts said. “I think the catching part of it has been fantastic. Certainly, he’s used to getting hits, where it’s been a little bit more difficult. But I think he’s adjusting.”
Dalton Rushing tore the cover off the ball in the Minors but hasn’t swung the bat well since getting called up. That’s not an issue, because the Dodgers actually aren’t counting on any offensive production from him.https://t.co/tsKQgFNoEK
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) June 13, 2025
Roberts continued, “This is the role. We have an All-Star catcher, so he’s got to make the adjustment as a young player. It’s certainly not easy, but he’s getting some runway and some opportunities. To be frank, his role is to dominate defensively and to continue to get better defensively. And what he does offensively is additive. Certainly, as a hit-first guy in his career, it’s an adjustment.”
It’s clear that the Dodgers know his bat will eventually come around, but they’re more than pleased with what they’ve seen from Rushing so far. His home run and seven RBIs came in May as he hit .273 in his first 22 big league at-bats. Through four games in June, his numbers have shown a significant decrease. Rushing is just 1-14, as he’s struck out nine times.
“I think the No. 1 thing is adjusting the mindset first. When you start hitting second, third, fourth and fifth, then there might be a different conversation. But when you’re hitting eighth, be a good defensive catcher. Which he’s really doing right now,” Roberts added.
Compared to Smith, these numbers do him no favors. Roberts commented that they don’t want to put extra pressure on Rushing, as the two aren’t comparable. Smith’s .319 average is behind only first baseman Freddie Freeman, as he has one of the highest WARs, wins above replacement, and is on the team at 2.7.
Going back to the minor leagues, Rushing was a hitting machine. The Dodgers’ 2022 second-round draft pick hit .308 earlier this season in his 107 AAA at-bats. With an OPS of .938, it’s clear that Rushing has the potential to put up similar numbers to Smith one day.