The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to promote catching/outfield prospect Dalton Rushing, according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya. Rushing is not currently on the club’s 40-man roster, meaning Los Angeles will need to make corresponding moves to clear space both on the 40-man and the active roster ahead of his debut.
Shortly after the Rushing announcement, that move was made. The Dodgers designated Austin Barnes for assignment. Noah Camras pointed out that Barnes was the longest tenured position player for the team.
The Dodgers are currently contending with a significant number of injuries, which may have led to Rushing’s call. While most injuries are centered on the pitching staff, multiple position players are working through their recoveries.
Among position players, Tommy Edman is sidelined with an ankle injury, and Teoscar Hernández is recovering from a groin strain. Freddie Freeman has also admitted to not feeling 100 percent. Freeman has been an important engine for the Dodgers’ offense. A big question is whether this is a signal that they will shut Freeman down sooner rather than later.
Los Angeles Dodgers Call Up Top Prospect
Rushing, a 24-year-old catcher and left fielder from Memphis, Tennessee, has rapidly ascended through the Los Angeles Dodgers’ minor league system since being selected in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft. After a standout collegiate career at the University of Louisville, where he posted a .310/.470/.686 slash line with 23 home runs in his final season, Rushing transitioned smoothly into professional baseball.
He began his pro career with the Arizona Complex League Dodgers and quickly advanced to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, demonstrating his offensive prowess early on. By 2023, he had earned a spot in the All-Star Futures Game, highlighting his status as one of the organization’s top prospects.
In 2024, Rushing’s performance solidified his reputation as a formidable hitter. Splitting time between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City, he compiled a .271 batting average with 26 home runs and 85 RBIs over 114 games. His offensive output earned him the Dodgers’ Branch Rickey Minor League Player of the Year award.
Entering the 2025 season, Rushing continued to impress, batting .323 with an OPS of .962 and five home runs as of mid-May. His consistent performance at the plate, combined with his versatility in the field, has positioned him as a strong candidate for promotion to the major leagues.