🚨 JUST IN: Roberts Makes It Clear — Dalton Rushing Must “Understand” His Role Behind Will Smith ⚡ .NL

He was once the Dodgers’ top prospect. Now he’s fighting for two starts a week.

And Dave Roberts just made one thing crystal clear:

Dalton Rushing needs to “understand” his role.

That word — understand — says everything about what’s ahead.

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Dave Roberts Sends Clear Message to Dalton Rushing: Talent Isn’t the Question — Adaptation Is

GLENDALE, AZ — Dalton Rushing’s journey to the Major Leagues was built on promise, power, and projection. Not long ago, he was the Los Angeles Dodgers’ top prospect — a future fixture, not a supporting piece.

Now, entering 2026, he’s on track to serve as the team’s backup catcher.

And Dodgers manager Dave Roberts isn’t sugarcoating what that means.

“I want him to understand his role as a backup catcher,” Roberts said.

Not compete for it.
Not outgrow it.
Understand it.

That distinction matters.

The Rookie Reality Check

Rushing got his first taste of the big leagues in 2025 — and it wasn’t smooth.

Across 53 games and 155 plate appearances, the 25-year-old hit just .204/.258/.324 with five doubles, four home runs, and 24 RBIs. The inconsistency wasn’t just in the numbers. It was in the rhythm.

He wasn’t playing every day.
He wasn’t getting steady at-bats.
He wasn’t in control of his timing.

For a player accustomed to everyday reps in the minors, the adjustment hit hard.

And Roberts knows it.

“I do want to get him at-bats when I can,” Roberts admitted. “Ideally, we’d love for him to get 500 at-bats this year.”

But here’s the reality: that number is almost impossible.

The Math Doesn’t Add Up

Will Smith remains the Dodgers’ primary catcher. When Smith plays — which will be often — Rushing waits.

He may occasionally spell Freddie Freeman at first base. But the outfield experiment? That’s off the table in 2026.

So unless injuries or unexpected shifts occur, Rushing’s role is defined:

Start when Smith rests.
Be ready late in games.
Stay sharp without daily repetition.

That’s a mental test as much as a physical one.

A Different Kind of Development

Roberts outlined a very specific blueprint for Rushing this season:

Learn the pitching staff.
Simplify the swing.
Adapt to limited reps.

“He’s used to playing a lot more,” Roberts said. “It’s not easy to not play every day when you’re used to that.”

This isn’t about talent. The Dodgers are fully committed to Rushing in the backup role — evidenced by Ben Rortvedt being claimed off waivers by the New York Mets.

There’s no competition waiting behind him.

There’s expectation.

Roberts believes last year’s struggles may ultimately help.

“With experience, knowing that you don’t know when you’re going to come into a game… you’re watching, and you’re expecting to go into the game,” Roberts explained. “You shouldn’t be surprised. So I expect that to be gone now this year.”

Translation?

The rookie nerves need to be replaced with veteran readiness.

The Hidden Challenge of Backup Catching

Backup catcher might be one of the toughest roles in baseball.

You don’t control your schedule.
You don’t get rhythm at the plate.
You’re expected to manage elite pitching with limited reps.

And on a championship-caliber team like the Dodgers, mistakes are magnified.

But there’s opportunity hidden inside the limitation.

Will Smith is set to depart temporarily to join Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. That stretch could provide Rushing extended time behind the plate — and a critical evaluation window.

Through two Cactus League games this spring, he’s 2-for-5 with an RBI and a hit-by-pitch. Small sample size. Early returns.

But this season won’t be defined by spring stats.

It will be defined by maturity.

A Fork in the Road

For Dalton Rushing, 2026 isn’t about reclaiming top-prospect hype.

It’s about proving he can thrive without it.

The Dodgers don’t need him to be the centerpiece.

They need him to be reliable.

To catch innings cleanly.
To guide pitchers confidently.
To deliver timely at-bats without everyday rhythm.

It’s a different kind of spotlight — quieter, but just as demanding.

And Dave Roberts has already set the tone.

This year isn’t about chasing 500 at-bats.

It’s about understanding that sometimes, growth isn’t measured by volume.

It’s measured by readiness.