{"id":28387,"date":"2025-05-15T08:34:22","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T08:34:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/28387\/"},"modified":"2025-05-15T08:34:22","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T08:34:22","slug":"dave-roberts-reveals-dalton-rushings-role-debut-date-for-dodgers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/28387\/","title":{"rendered":"Dave Roberts Reveals Dalton Rushing’s Role, Debut Date for Dodgers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Dodgers called up their top prospect<\/a> from the last two seasons, Dalton Rushing, on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

After designating Austin Barnes for assignment<\/a> 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 \u2014 a position in which the Dodgers could use some more depth at the moment.<\/p>\n

Read more: Dodgers Designating Austin Barnes for Assignment to Call Up Dalton Rushing in Shocking Move<\/a><\/p>\n

Roberts revealed that Rushing is going to get his first-career MLB start as the Dodgers\u2019 catcher on Thursday.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Dave Roberts said Dalton Rushing will start at catcher tomorrow.<\/p>\n

Roberts said Rushing will not play the outfield. It will be as back up catcher and left handed hitter off the bench. #Dodgers<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) May 14, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Rushing won\u2019t just be any ordinary lefty coming off the bench, as he has been putting up monster numbers in Triple-A this season. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

The young catcher will look to add to the long list of recent homegrown Dodgers to transfer their success to MLB. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

Recent injuries and ailments to offensive pillars like Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hern\u00e1ndez 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.<\/p>\n

When Will Dalton Rushing Make Debut for Dodgers?<\/p>\n

Thursday will be the first start for Rushing, but it\u2019s possible Rushing enters Wednesday\u2019s game as a pinch-hitter.<\/p>\n

The plan for now is to have Rushing play twice a week as Will Smith\u2019s understudy, per Roberts. He will be a pinch-hit option, but fans should expect him starting behind home plate on Smith\u2019s off days. <\/p>\n

Dave Roberts said they think Rushing\u2019s development, at this stage, will benefit from being around a big-league environment and working with the Dodgers\u2019 MLB pitching staff<\/p>\n

He acknowledged fewer ABs is a downside, but said they felt this move was best for team right now https:\/\/t.co\/WDXsdY1Vr7<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) May 14, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

More news: Dave Roberts Reacts to Dodgers Designating Austin Barnes For Assignment<\/a><\/p>\n

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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