SerpApi.Org
Wednesday night in the MLB was pure fireworks for the Los Angeles Dodgers—and especially for Dalton Rushing. The young catcher didn’t just grab the spotlight with his bat; he also stirred up some serious drama by getting right in Bryson Stott’s face after a heated play at third base.
It all went down in the heat of the game, when Stott tried to sneak over to third after a botched bunt. Rushing, adrenaline pumping, ripped off his mask and, after snagging the pop-up, barked at Stott: “Get the f— back!” making it crystal clear he wasn’t about to let Stott take even an inch extra on the basepaths.
But Rushing’s show was just getting started. Coming off a brutal 25 at-bat hitless streak, the catcher broke out in a big way and was a key piece in the Dodgers’ 9-5 win over the Phillies. He went 2-for-4, including a monster 438-foot home run to dead center—his 11th of the year—and a two-run double that put the final nail in Philly’s coffin.
The long ball came off a 94 mph fastball, while the double was against a 79 mph knuckle curve, showing Rushing can punish any pitch when he’s locked in. The pressure was sky-high for Rushing—not just because of the slump, but because since Will Smith’s injury, the young backstop has had to shoulder the load as the starter.
Dalton Rushing: From Slump to Hero of the Night
Dalton Rushing’s performance was a true statement. After nine games without a hit, the catcher exploded at just the right time for the Dodgers. His 438-foot bomb didn’t just end his cold streak—it fired up the LA offense and gave the young catcher a huge confidence boost.
After the game, Rushing told Spectrum Sports LA: “I don’t think you can treat the bottom of this lineup like your typical seven, eight, and nine. That’s our superpower.” And boy, did he prove it—driving the bottom of the order and racking up three RBIs on the night.
Rushing’s impact goes way beyond the box score. His fiery attitude with Stott and his ability to deliver under pressure are turning him into a key piece for the Dodgers as the regular season heads into the home stretch. With Smith still out, LA needs Rushing to keep this energy up if they want to stay on top of the National League.
Dodgers: National League Leaders with October in Sight
With the win over the Phillies, the Dodgers improved to 65-38, cementing themselves as one of the toughest teams in all of MLB. The LA squad isn’t just flexing a powerful offense—they’ve managed to weather injuries and a tough schedule thanks to their deep roster.
The front office also made some key moves: after moving Smith to the 60-day IL, the Dodgers selected lefty pitcher Charlie Barnes to bolster the bullpen. All this as the team gears up for a special White House visit on July 23 to celebrate their 2025 World Series title before kicking off a crucial series against the New York Mets.
Manager Dave Roberts has made it clear he’s got full faith in Rushing to handle catching duties while Smith is out. The pressure’s on, but the young catcher has already shown he can step up in big moments—and he’s not afraid to defend his team, with his glove or his voice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dalton Rushing and the Dodgers
Why is Dalton Rushing starting instead of Will Smith?
Will Smith was placed on the 60-day injured list on July 21, 2026, due to ongoing neck inflammation. He’s expected back in mid-August, so Dalton Rushing has taken over as the Dodgers’ starting catcher.
What did Dalton Rushing say after the incident with Bryson Stott?
Rushing was caught telling Stott, “Get the f— back!” after a play where Stott tried to advance to third on a failed bunt. The phrase went viral on social media and sparked debate about the catcher’s intensity.
How did Dalton Rushing perform against the Phillies?
Rushing finished the game 2-for-4, with a 438-foot home run (his 11th of the season) and a two-run double, snapping a 25 at-bat hitless streak.
What’s the Dodgers’ current record?
After the July 22, 2026 win, the Dodgers are 65-38, leading the National League and looking like postseason favorites.
What moves did the team make after Will Smith’s injury?
Besides giving Rushing the starting job, the Dodgers selected lefty pitcher Charlie Barnes to strengthen the 40-man roster.
