Top prospect Rushing expects new role will help him grow

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When the Dodgers called up Dalton Rushing just over a month ago, they knew that serving in a backup role would be an adjustment. Sure enough, the limited playing time has presented some challenges for the team's top prospect (No. 14 overall, per MLB Pipeline).

Last week offered some reasons for optimism. In his two starts behind the plate, Rushing went 3-for-4 and drew three walks. He hit a key two-run single on Wednesday and reached in all four plate appearances on Sunday.

"I think it was just a good game of baseball," Rushing said Sunday. "I came out, had a good day at the plate, and I don't think it was anything really different than I've done the last few times."

Rushing was used to playing just about every day in the Minors, but soon-to-be three-time All-Star Will Smith is the Dodgers' starting catcher. When Rushing was promoted, he was viewed as a potential offensive upgrade over veteran Austin Barnes, who was designated for assignment in order to clear a roster spot.

Entering Tuesday, Rushing is slashing .244/.333/.356 through 16 games (12 starts). He has struck out 24 times and walked six times. While his strikeout rate is high and the overall numbers don't jump off the page, Rushing actually has been somewhat of a bench upgrade. He has a 96 OPS+ in 51 plate appearances, compared to Barnes' 46 OPS+ in 44 plate appearances.

The way the Dodgers see it, Rushing is at the big league level to complete his development as a catcher. They want him working with the pitching staff and honing his skills behind the plate, and they're pleased with how he's done in that regard.

But Rushing is a competitor, and he wants to do all that while still being a threat at the plate in his limited opportunities.

"That is a work in progress, because he's used to getting hits and being an impact bat," manager Dave Roberts said last week. "That's going to come, but right now … his value to the team is to keep listening and watching and learning, and dominate behind the plate.

"Anything we get from him offensively is a bonus for now, but we will lean on him at some point on the offense side. But for me, I just want him to conduct good at-bats and start eliminating that chase."

Rushing has bought into his role, and he's learning how to best prepare himself for his handful of starts and pinch-hit opportunities every week. That involves finding ways to take as many live at-bats as possible in order to keep his timing in a good spot.

Day-to-day life as a backup is different than what Rushing is accustomed to. But he knows that everything he's learning now can help him excel in the long run.

"It's not as much, show up, play the game," Rushing said. "It's a little more of understanding the way the game is played up here. Get to know some of these pitchers a little better. Get to know situational baseball a little better in the big leagues. I'm learning a lot every day, and I think it's going to really be beneficial."