Catcher Dalton Rushing Has Become MLB’s Most Controversial Rookie

Apr 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Dalton Rushing is showered with sunflower seeds after hitting a grand slam home run in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

With his newfound success, however, the spotlight on Rushing has grown, especially since he is on a Dodgers team that is “breaking baseball” and aiming for their third straight title.

The ‘fishy’ comments from Rushing

After Saturday’s 4-3 loss against the Colorado Rockies, Rushing called out the National League opponent for seemingly knowing that pitchers were coming and being aggressive on pitches that were called against reliever Will Klein.

“I think it’s odd that some of those hitters that do what they do, they go up there and they’re on the first pitch that was thrown,” Rushing said. “It’s a little fishy, but I’ll wear it.”

“I think it could have been a little bit of both sides. I think they had a good game plan as an opposing team, and maybe I pitched into their game plan as far as calling pitches. I’m not 100 percent sure.”

Dave Roberts, however, disagreed with anything nefarious being behind the Rockies’ hitting success, chalking it up to poor execution.

“I saw some bad breaking balls,” Roberts said. “So, I don’t think there was anything fishy behind it. I think there were some bad pitches.”

Despite Roberts’ comments, video of Rushing’s remarks went viral, with major social media accounts picking it up and sharing it, drawing the ire of MLB fans.

“Geez, dodgers win back to back and all of sudden if a team hits vs them they’re cheating? Wow!!!,” one user said on X.

“Billion dollar Dodgers complaining about losing to a 100 million dollar payroll team… i hate these privileged mfs who think they just above everybody,” a second user added.

“This is ridiculous. Stealing signs/picking up on tells from a pitcher has been part of the game forever lol. As long as they’re not using technology or video feeds to get that info then it’s fair game. But to automatically accuse the Rockies of all teams of cheating is a joke,” a third X account said about Rushing’s comments.

Rushing’s home plate collision vs. the Giants

During Tuesday’s game against the San Francisco Giants, Rushing and Jung Hoo Lee collided at home plate during the bottom of the sixth inning.

The catcher placed a tag on the speedy Lee, who was rounding third, and bolted straight into Rushing.

After ending the inning with the tag, Rushing was seen walking away, mouthing “F*** em,” according to the fans on social media.

Rushing denied saying “what was said” in the media, and stated that he checked on Lee via Hyeseong Kim.

The video of Rushing’s post-tag reaction went viral on social media immediately after the play; however, with fans of opposing teams, especially the Giants, calling him out for his perceived actions.

“I hate that guy. I get the heated rivalry but seriously? Accuses the Rockies of cheating and then doesn’t care at all when a guy gets hurt,” someone said.

“Dude is the least likeable player in baseball. But he’s a dodger so I’m not surprised,” a second said.

“He looks like the villain jock in a 2000’s movie, and acts like one too,” a third person wrote.

Naturally, as Rushing has success and emerges as one of the young talents on the Dodgers, the MLB world will continue to scrutinize him, though, as a player who has spent years in the minor leagues and played through college, he should be ready to handle the spotlight that comes with playing in Los Angeles.