Dalton Rushing of the Los Angeles Dodgers faced controversy after a timeout request was mishandled by the umpire, resulting in a strikeout during a game on April 28, 2026. Manager Dave Roberts defended Rushing, stating that he did indeed call for a timeout.
Dalton Rushing struck out after a controversial dispute with an umpire on April 28, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing found himself on the wrong side of a moment of confusion with the umpire Tuesday night, and it cost him a strikeout.
In the fifth inning, Rushing was hitting and asked the umpire for a timeout, which the umpire appeared to acknowledge and grant.
Feb 21, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Rushing, however, was then called for a pitch-clock violation, resulting in strike three.
Video posted to social media appears to back up Rushingâs account of the incident, and it also captured his expletive-laden reaction in the dugout.
After the game, manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Rushing was in the right, though he alleged no ill will on the part of the umpire.
Dalton Rushing struck out after a timeout request was granted by the umpire, leading to confusion and controversy.
Dave Roberts defended Rushing by stating that he did call for a timeout, which was acknowledged by the umpire.
The outcome was a strikeout for Rushing, which sparked debate over the umpire's decision to not honor the timeout request.
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âDalton called timeout, and I just saw the replay. He called timeout and he said it twice and I just think the umpire didnât hear it clearly,â Roberts said. âI know he wasnât just trying to blatantly do wrong by Dalton, but I just donât think he heard it. But I did see a head nod, too. So, you assume that he heard it and acknowledged, but clearly he didnât.â
Roberts added that he âwasnât surprisedâ that Rushing was upset after that strikeout.
âHe was upset because he called time out,â Roberts said.
So far in 2026, no Dodger has caught more flak than Rushing.
Heâs intimated that the Colorado Rockies were cheating, and heâs been caught on camera â twice â swearing about opponents.
In the first instance, against the San Francisco Giants, he appeared to say âfâ âemâ about Jung Hoo Lee after a play at the plate appeared to leave Lee shaken up.
The next day, he took a fastball to the ribs, though he and Giants pitcher Logan Webb both downplayed the incident.
Then, after Miguel Amaya stole a base on Rushing, the Dodger appeared to call his Cubs counterpart a âfat fâ.â
Amid the tumult, Rushing has taken advantage of his limited opportunities at the plate.
In 14 games so far, heâs slashing .349/.429/.884 with seven home runs and 16 RBIs.
With stats like that, itâs easy to see why he keeps getting at-bats, controversy or not.