Los Angeles Dodgers backup catcher Dalton Rushing has only played two games in 2026, but has still managed to impress manager Dave Roberts.

What’s swayed the skipper, though, isn’t his performance on the field. It’s his adjustment to being a supplementary player.

“The conversations he’s had with the coaches is better,” Roberts said. “The emotion spikes are less. Even in-game, you have a couple bad at-bats, but you still focus on getting your pitcher through the game, that’s growth. … This is his lot right now, as far as role, and he’s adjusting. It’s not an easy adjustment but I do see some improvement there from Dalton.”

Roberts stated he wanted Rushing to better understand his role as the backup catcher during spring training.

“Dalton’s in a good spot right now,” Roberts said. “I want him to understand his role as a backup catcher, what that entails. Really learn the pitchers, learn a swing that works for playing a couple times a week. He’s used to playing a lot more.

“Just still maturing. It’s not easy to not play every day when you’re used to that. I think that he grew last year and I like where he’s at right now. …Ideally you’re looking for him to get 500 at-bats this year to continue to evolve and catch innings, but looking at the depth chart, I think you’d still choose to be a major league player.”

How Has Dalton Rushing Played in 2026?

Rushing, despite his limited playing time, has shown some promise at the plate so far in 2026.

He made his first appearance of the season against the Cleveland Guardians March 30 in front of the home fans, recording his first hit of the season and going 1-for-2 before All-Star catcher Will Smith replaced him. He hit his first homer of the season Sunday—a two-run shot—to kick off the Dodgers’ comeback against the Washington Nationals.

While it’s an incredibly small sample size to take anything from, Rushing is still yet to swing and miss on a pitch this year—a large part of his struggles last season.

Rushing came up in May 2025, serving as LA’s backup catcher for the whole season. He finished the year with 53 appearances, hitting four homers and driving in 24 runs with a .204/.258/.324 slash line.

If the catcher continues to improve and take the right steps towards embracing the role Roberts has cut out for him, he’s sure to find more game time than last season and blossom into the star they think he will be.

Do you think Dalton Rushing has a spot on the Dodgers despite their All-Star-laden lineup?