Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — With their first pick of the 2022 MLB draft (40th overall), the Dodgers have taken Louisville catcher Dalton Rushing. It adds to the wealth of catching talent that the team has, both on its big league roster and in minors.
Playing for Will Smith’s alma mater, Rushing played in all 64 games, starting 63 of them in his junior year. Prior to this season, his playing time was limited due to playing behind Henry Davis, the first pick of last year’s draft.
The pick was actually in the second round of the draft. Due to breaking the salary cap, the Dodgers were dropped 10 picks in the draft this year, so instead of choosing 30th, they ended up with the 40th pick.
Rushing finished the year with a .310 average, 16 doubles, a team-best 23 home runs, 62 RBIs and 68 runs scored. His 23 home runs were tied for the fourth-most in a single season in Louisville history and were the most by a Louisville player since 2009.
The 6’1″ 220-pounder hails from Brighton, Tennessee, and was named Second Team All-American.
It’s going to be interesting to see what the Dodgers decide to do with Rushing, and for that matter, Diego Carataya, who is one of the absolute best prospects in the minors right now. Obviously, we have a young catcher who is pretty darn good at the moment, so Rushing’s development might be happening with an eye toward a trade later on. We shall see.
Anyway, welcome to the Dodger family,
