The Los Angeles Dodgers are having another successful season in MLB, as many fans and analysts could have predicted. The back-to-back World Series Champions are also starting to gain some attention due to their young catcher Dalton Rushing’s on-field antics, which have led to many MLB fans labeling Rushing a ‘villain’ or ‘bad guy’ in baseball.
Dalton Rushing, 25-years-old, is seeing some extended playing time in 2026 and has excelled during his time behind the plate as the Dodgers’ catcher. He’s been caught feuding with umpires, opposing teams, and players on some of the Dodgers’ opponents. It started with calling out the Colorado Rockies for swinging at multiple first pitches, and how that was ‘phishy’ to him. Next, he was caught mouthing some expletives towards Cubs’ player Miguel Amaya after he stole a base on Rushing.
He’s had a couple more incidents that have gained some media attention, but he recently spoke with the media and gave an honest statement about his character moving forward.
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Dalton Rushing Gives Honest Statement About Potential Character Issues
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 15: Dalton Rushing #68 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after hitting a grand slam home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium on April 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Rushing recently spoke with Katie Woo and Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, and had this to say about his ‘villain’ label:
“Guys have started to give me the label of [villain],” said Rushing. “That’s just me competing at the highest level and not allowing any outside source to get in my way. I played football, and that’s how you compete. Hopefully anyone who knows me off the field knows the person I am, how much I care about people. I think there’s a mix up of image recently.”
Rushing also added that he’s not going to change his game in any way:
âI donât want guys to look at me as a bad guy on and off the field, but at the same time, Iâm not going to change my game. Iâm going to play the same way that I have. Iâm going to control the things that are said.”
Rushing’s teammate Freddie Freeman backed his fellow infielder by saying Rushing just cares so much about being good, and he plays through his emotions.
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Dalton Rushing’s Time with the Dodgers
Dalton Rushing is in just his second-year with the Dodgers, but he’s already proven he’s a highly capable backup to starter Will Smith.
Will Smith has done so much for Los Angeles that he has earned the right to a day off every now and then, but due to Rushing being capable with the bat in his hands, manager Dave Roberts has implemented Dalton Rushing in other spots.
In 19 games this season, Rushing has a bWAR of 1.9 with seven home runs, 17 RBI, and an OPS of 1.124. He’s earned the right to receive more at-bats with the big league club.
Over the course of his Dodgers career, Rushing is hitting .240 with 11 home runs and 48 hits in 200 total ABs.
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