\u201cLast year, mentally, I was in a tough spot playing the role that I was, and just kind of trying to figure out how you play that role,\u201d Rushing said<\/a>. \u201cAnd this year, I have a little better understanding.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not going to show up and have a game like that tonight. You\u2019re not going to show up and get two hits every game, whether you\u2019re playing every day or you\u2019re playing every three days. \u2026 Maybe it was just a pill I had to swallow a little bit.\u201d<\/p>\n Rushing has a hit in all three of his appearances this season, and is now tied for the team lead in home runs despite only playing three games so far.<\/p>\n Throughout spring training, Roberts repeatedly stated Rushing would be the backup catcher, and that he\u2019d have to get used to it in order to improve and thrive at the top level.<\/p>\n \u201cDalton\u2019s in a good spot right now,\u201d\u00a0Roberts said.<\/a>\u00a0\u201cI want him to understand his role as a backup catcher, what that entails. Really learn the pitchers, learn a swing that works for playing a couple times a week. He\u2019s used to playing a lot more.<\/p>\n \u201cJust still maturing. It\u2019s not easy to not play every day when you\u2019re used to that. I think that he grew last year and I like where he\u2019s at right now. \u2026Ideally you\u2019re looking for him to get 500 at-bats this year to continue to evolve and catch innings, but looking at the depth chart, I think you\u2019d still choose to be a major league player.\u201d<\/p>\n It seems he\u2019s done just that, as Roberts said he\u2019s seen \u201cimprovement\u201d from the former No. 1 prospect in the organization.<\/p>\n \u201cThe conversations he\u2019s had with the coaches is better,\u201d\u00a0R<\/a>oberts said<\/a>. \u201cThe emotion spikes are less. Even in-game, you have a couple bad at-bats, but you still focus on getting your pitcher through the game, that\u2019s growth. \u2026 This is his lot right now, as far as role, and he\u2019s adjusting. It\u2019s not an easy adjustment but I do see some improvement there from Dalton.\u201d<\/p>\n Rushing will move back to the bench for the Dodgers\u2019 second game against the Blue Jays, as starter Will Smith is likely well rested after a full day\u2019s rest following a brief cameo in their win over the Nationals. First pitch for the second hame of the series comes Tuesday at 4:05 p.m. PT.<\/p>\n LA Baseball Report<\/p>\n Get the app for faster news<\/p>\n![\"Apr](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Dalton-Rushing-Dodgers.jpg\")
Apr 6, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (68) hits a home run and celebrates with shortstop Hyeseong Kim (6) against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesWhat Role Did Dave Roberts Want Dalton Rushing to Take on?<\/p>\n![\"App](\"https:\/\/dodgersnation.com\/path\/to\/app-icon.png\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n