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Dalton Rushing is in a bit of a bind, and he knows it.
The Los Angeles Dodgers catcher and first baseman had a torrid start to the season as he found playing time with Will Smith, hitting .444 with a 1.761 OPS in his first eight games of the season.
But in 14 games since, he has 7 for his last 39 games, accounting for a .179 batting average, and has posted an OPS of .484.
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Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing reacts in the dugout after throwing out two runners on base and tying the game against the San Francisco Giants in the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on May 14, 2026. It was his third strikeout of the game. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
In the bottom of the fourth inning with a runner on second against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday night, Rushing struck out on a breaking ball out of the zone and wasn’t happy with himself. Rushing broke his bat on his leg and slammed his leg guard on the dugout bench.
Two innings later, with the men in scoring position, Rushing struck out a high fastball, and he put himself in danger by slamming his new bat on his helmet – still on his head – three times.
Overall, it was a game to forget for Rushing, who struck out three unsuccessfully. He hasn’t had a hit since May 6.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing returns to the dugout after striking out Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López in the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on May 9, 2026. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
BASEBALL FAN HOSPITALIZED AFTER FALLING INTO VISITING BULLPEN DURING WHITE SOX-ROYALS GAME
After losing four straight games, each by at least four runs, the Dodgers, despite Rushing’s struggles, got back on track to win the final two games of their four-game series against the Giants, including a 5-2 victory on Thursday.
They haven’t exactly wowed the competition, as they have a 25-18 record, but they have yet to relinquish first place in the National League West this season. However, the San Diego Padres remain hot on their heels.
The Dodgers embark on a nine-game road trip Friday night, although they won’t have to go far for the first three, as they will face the Los Angeles Angels.
Dalton Rushing bats for the Los Angeles Dodgers during a game against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California on April 26, 2026. (Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
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But then it’s a big series against the Padres before facing the Milwaukee Brewers in a National League Championship Series rematch.
