Dodgers Interview: Dalton Rushing Gets the Call: “It’s One of the Best Phone Calls I’ve Ever Had”
At 1 a.m., Dalton Rushing was just about to set his alarm and call it a night — until his phone rang with news that changed everything.
“You get a call in the middle of the night, and at first you freak out a little. But once I saw it was my manager, I thought maybe he just wanted to chat,” Rushing joked. “Then he said, ‘Start packing.’ One of the best phone calls I’ve ever had.”
The Dodgers’ top catching prospect officially got the call to the big leagues, and now the 23-year-old finds himself in a dream scenario: sharing a clubhouse with some of the best players in baseball and getting the chance to contribute at the highest level.
A Springboard from Spring Training
Rushing says his spring training experience with the major league club played a huge role in preparing him for this opportunity.
“I got to catch guys like Kershaw, Evan, and Kopech on rehab. That time helped me understand how they work — what they like to throw, how they approach hitters. That’s satisfying as a catcher.”
The former Louisville standout has moved quickly through the Dodgers’ system, earning praise for his advanced feel behind the plate and strong relationship-building with pitchers.
Learning in the Big Leagues
Rushing is fully aware he won’t be an everyday starter right away — especially with Will Smith locked in behind the dish — but he’s embracing the chance to learn and contribute however he can.
“If I show up every day and I play three days a week, but I help the team win the other four? That’s pretty special. That makes you valuable.”
“My job is to make Will’s job easier. He’s going to help me, and I want to help him too.”
He also touched on the mental side of catching, especially the challenge of absorbing detailed game plans without getting overwhelmed.
“It can be a lot — game planning, tendencies, situations — but I’ve found my process. Just know what I need to know for that game, that moment.”
From Minor League Grind to the Majors
While he admits it’s been hard to stay patient, Rushing says he’s always focused more on the joy of playing than the level he’s at.
“Of course you want to be here. But whether it’s L.A. or the minors, I just love to play. That’s the biggest thing.”
After playing some outfield and first base in the minors, Rushing says it’s especially rewarding to get called up as a catcher — his natural position.
“It’s a confidence boost. It shows they believe in me as a catcher, and that means a lot — especially in an organization that’s got someone like Will behind the plate.”
Running on Adrenaline
Though running on little sleep, Rushing is fueled by adrenaline and excitement. His girlfriend and agent were there for his debut, and the rest of his family arrived the next day — minus his mom, who missed the call after five tries.
“She’s a deep sleeper. I don’t blame her,” he laughed. “But that morning call? It was a good one.”
Dalton Rushing’s big league journey is just getting started — but from the sound of it, he’s already soaking in every moment and ready to make the most of it.
