Dave Roberts Reveals Dalton Rushing’s Role, Debut Date for Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers called up their top prospect from the last two seasons, Dalton Rushing, on Wednesday.
After designating Austin Barnes for assignment in a corresponding move, there was much debate as to where Rushing would play as he is primarily a catcher, but has experience in the outfield — a position in which the Dodgers could use some more depth at the moment.
Read more: Dodgers Designating Austin Barnes for Assignment to Call Up Dalton Rushing in Shocking Move
Roberts revealed that Rushing is going to get his first-career MLB start as the Dodgers’ catcher on Thursday.
He also clarified that this will be his defensive position for the foreseeable future, not the outfield. Rushing will also be utilized as a left-handed pinch-hitter off the bench, per Roberts.
Rushing won’t just be any ordinary lefty coming off the bench, as he has been putting up monster numbers in Triple-A this season.
In 31 games this year, the 24-year-old catcher is hitting .308/.424/.514 with a .938 OPS. He has added five home runs, 17 RBIs and has drawn 21 walks.
Rushing is no stranger to success at the plate as he batted .271 last season, including an OPS of 1.108 during the month of August.
The young catcher will look to add to the long list of recent homegrown Dodgers to transfer their success to MLB.
Rushing is young enough to possess the tools to continue his growth and development, but has already proven so much maturity at the plate and power in his bat that he appears ready to compete at the highest level.
Recent injuries and ailments to offensive pillars like Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernández have led to slow stretches at the plate for L.A., but a youthful boost may prove to be exactly what the Dodgers need to improve upon a stretch of 5-5 in their last 10 games.
When Will Dalton Rushing Make Debut for Dodgers?
Thursday will be the first start for Rushing, but it’s possible Rushing enters Wednesday’s game as a pinch-hitter.
The plan for now is to have Rushing play twice a week as Will Smith’s understudy, per Roberts. He will be a pinch-hit option, but fans should expect him starting behind home plate on Smith’s off days.
Although the skipper acknowledged the potential downside of fewer at-bats, finally bringing up the top prospect will bring confidence to the young catcher and start his work with others around the organization, versus beginning that process later in the season.
More news: Dave Roberts Reacts to Dodgers Designating Austin Barnes For Assignment
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Roberts is right to be concerned. No regular at bats is tough on a young player. He would be better of getting regular at bats in the minors. But they have made the decision to bring him up and see what happens, and Rushing has earned it. I think they will need to give Rushing some play in the outfield as a Conforto replacement just to give him more at bats and keep the skills in rhythm. There is only so much you can do hitting in the batting cage, not facing live pitching. My favorite phrase. Time will tell…