Dalton Rushing, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ highly regarded catching prospect, experienced a concerning moment during the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets’ game on Tuesday. Rushing was struck in the catcher’s mask by a foul ball, causing him to briefly remain on the ground.
After approximately a minute, Rushing rose to his feet and initially stayed in the game. However, he was subsequently pinch-hit for in the bottom half of the inning, signaling his departure from the contest.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Dalton Rushing Status Unclear After Scary Injury
Rushing, 24, holds the position of the Dodgers’ second-best prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, trailing only Roki Sasaki. He is also recognized as the team’s top hitting prospect. While a major league debut is anticipated this season, Rushing faces a logjam at the catcher position, with Will Smith, Austin Barnes, and Hunter Feduccia currently occupying those roles.
Last year, the Dodgers explored the possibility of transitioning Rushing to the outfield, seeking an alternative pathway to the majors. However, this season, the organization appears committed to his continued development as a catcher.
Dalton Rushing’s recent incident raises concerns, given his past injury history. In 2023, he suffered a concussion after being struck by a backswing, an injury that significantly impacted his season. This prior concussion underscores the importance of caution following Tuesday’s foul ball incident.
Despite the challenges, Rushing’s offensive performance in 2024 across 115 games at Double-A and Triple-A levels has been impressive. He posted a batting line of .271/.385/.512, accompanied by 26 home runs and 85 RBIs, demonstrating his potential as a powerful offensive threat. These statistics highlight Rushing’s offensive capabilities, making his health and continued development a priority for the organization