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Dalton Rushing, the Dodgers and a 1.761 OPS problem with DH Shohei Ohtani, catcher Will Smith
TL;DR
Dalton Rushing is performing exceptionally well for the Dodgers, boasting a .444 batting average early in the season. This success creates a dilemma for manager Dave Roberts regarding the lineup, particularly with Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith also in the mix.
Key points
- Dalton Rushing has a .444 batting average this season
- Rushing's performance creates a lineup dilemma for the Dodgers
- Manager Dave Roberts must consider Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith
Los Angeles DodgersDalton RushingShohei OhtaniWill Smith
Dalton Rushing, the Dodgers and a 1.761 OPS problem with DH Shohei Ohtani, catcher Will Smith originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Let's get this out of the way first: The Los Angeles Dodgers don't have many real problems these days.
Most of the issues they have are ones like this with Dalton Rushing, where it could mostly be described as "a good problem to have."
But still, Rushing has created a dilemma for the Dodgers and manager Dave Roberts.
The 25-year old catcher has begun the campaign 12-for-27 in limited action. That's a .444 average.
He already has seven home runs (and two doubles), 13 RBI and 10 runs scored.
Rushing has put up a 1.761 OPS.
The problem is that he can't play every day, or close to it.
Will Smith is the Dodgers' starting catcher and still plays most days.
Freddie Freeman is the everyday first baseman.
Shohei Ohtani always has the DH spot in the lineup.
Rushing has played a bit of outfield in the minor leagues, so would that mean he could take the place of Teoscar Hernandez? That wouldn't be a full-out replacement, either.
The Dodgers don't have a ton of options.
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Q&A
What is Dalton Rushing's batting average this season?
Dalton Rushing has a batting average of .444 early in the season.
How is Dalton Rushing impacting the Dodgers' lineup decisions?
Rushing's strong performance creates a dilemma for manager Dave Roberts regarding the optimal lineup, especially with Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith also competing for positions.
What challenges do the Dodgers face with their current roster?
The Dodgers face a lineup dilemma, which is considered a 'good problem to have,' due to the strong performances of players like Dalton Rushing.
