Dodgers’ Dalton Rushing Wanted Ryan Ward to Play Over Him

TL;DR

Dalton Rushing of the Los Angeles Dodgers supported Ryan Ward's start over him, believing Ward earned the opportunity. Rushing was prepared to suggest Ward play at first base instead.

Key points

Dalton Rushing supports Ryan Ward's start over him
Rushing believes Ward earned the opportunity
Manager Dave Roberts chose Ward for the lineup
Rushing was ready to suggest Ward play at first base

Los Angeles DodgersDalton RushingRyan WardFreddie Freeman

Apr 5, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (68) celebrates with Dodgers third base coach/outfield coach Dino Ebel (91) while rounding the bases after hitting a two run home run against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing could have gotten his second consecutive start Sunday with Freddie Freeman, but manager Dave Roberts opted to give recent call up recipient Ryan Ward the opportunity instead.

Rushing wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Per The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, Rushing said Ward earned his spot and was going to suggest he got the start at first base anyways.

Ward rewarded his manager and teammates confidence in him with a strong outing, making a couple of nice plays on defense while also logging two hits and an RBI. Ward clearly had fun as well, speaking about how much he enjoyed the game after the contest despite the loss.

“It was a lot of fun,” Ward said. “From start to finish. The butterflies were there, for sure, to start the game. They went away, though. Once the game started it was like ‘Okay, it’s just baseball,’ so it was a lot of fun to be out there.”