Tuesday, February 25

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Dalton Rushing doesn't just want to make it to the big leagues this year. He has loftier aspirations on his mind. 

It's not really a matter of if Rushing will make his Major League debut in 2025, but when -- and perhaps more intriguingly, at which position. But he's not preoccupied with the minutiae, because the prospect of being there to help the Dodgers defend their World Series title is more important to him.  

"I know that I'll get to play with these guys at some point throughout this year," Rushing said. "My only goal is … [to] win the last game. It's an easy goal to go by in this clubhouse. That's the standard year in, year out. That's what I love most about this organization. You shoot for the highest star."

The Dodgers' top catching prospect and MLB Pipeline's No. 30 overall, Rushing has long impressed with his bat. Los Angeles' second-rounder out of Louisville in 2022 reached the upper Minors last year and ended the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he slashed .273/.396/.511 with nine homers in 37 games. 

There's belief within the Dodgers' organization that Rushing, who just turned 24, could hit in the Majors now. But there's also some question of where Rushing would play with the big league club.

Blocked at catcher by two-time All-Star Will Smith, who's under contract through 2033, Rushing began getting reps in left field midway through last season. He handled the new position pretty well given his lack of experience there, but he's not likely to play the outfield much this spring, as the Dodgers have sufficient depth at the Major League level in that position group.

Even though the organization has explored different avenues to find a fit for Rushing on the big league roster, the Dodgers ultimately want him to focus on developing as a catcher. That's where he's expected to see most of his playing time this spring, with stints at first base and designated hitter as needed.

"He's really pouring himself into the defensive side," general manager Brandon Gomes said. "The offense is in a really good place. You can always find tweaks there, but it's very much his receiving, his game calling. … He's working really hard, and he's moving the ball really well right now."

The Dodgers have been impressed by how Rushing has worked with their pitchers so far in camp, whether it's catching their bullpen sessions or speaking up in mock pitchers' meetings. The mock meetings are something new the team is trying this spring in an effort to prepare its younger catchers for working with the big league pitching and coaching staffs. 

"There's a lot of details to game planning," Rushing said, "and I think the more I get to know some of these guys in this clubhouse that are going to be pitching every other day for us, it's pretty valuable and it goes a long way."

Every relationship that Rushing builds now will only help him when the games matter more; he noted that his comfort level is higher this spring, his second time in big league camp, because he has more familiarity with the people around him. 

The effort he has put in to get to that point has not gone unnoticed. Now, it's all about making sure the full package is Major League-ready. 

"He's doing whatever is asked of him," manager Dave Roberts said. "You can tell he's very observant. He's watching a lot, as he should. He's listening to conversations, he's talking to pitchers, getting to build that relationship with pitchers. He's really growing quickly." 

When the time comes, the Dodgers will find a way to get Rushing into the lineup. He's made it easier for the team to do that with his willingness to move around as needed -- and above all, he knows his bat will help get him where he wants to be.

"It's something that I've heard for a while now," Rushing said, "and it's one of those things where I've kind of understood that for some time now. … At the end of the day, essentially the only thing that I can do is just be ready for that time, whenever it comes, whatever position it is."

A big thank you to Jack Magruder for filling in for me the past few days! Here are some of the stories he covered while I was away:

• After a long-awaited return to the mound, Dustin May discussed the life-threatening incident last summer that was the latest in a series of trials for the Dodgers' right-hander.

• Getting hit in the head was one of Bobby Miller's biggest fears on the mound. He's conquered it now, thankfully without being seriously injured. 

• When will Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki make their spring debuts? Here's the latest on both.

A special guest is coming to Camelback Ranch this weekend, as Dodger Stadium organist Dieter Ruehle will be playing three games: Friday vs. the Angels at 6:05 p.m. MST, Saturday vs. the Giants at 1:05 p.m. and Sunday vs. the White Sox at 1:05 p.m.

Tickets for the Dodgers' home spring slate can be found here.

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