Dalton Rushing keeps several baseball gloves in his Dodger Stadium locker, none of them a catcher's mitt, reflecting his college experience playing first base and outfield. He brings a fielder's glove to batting practice and shags to shake off nerves and stay comfortable for occasional outfield duty. Manager Dave Roberts treats Rushing's use outside catching as an emergency option but confirms Rushing can handle first base. The Dodgers value positional versatility across the roster, yet catchers are primarily prized for catching skills; Rushing's main focus remains backing up and spelling Will Smith behind the plate.
"I'll shag during BP, just kind of to take the shakiness, just to be as comfortable as possible if I have to go out there," he said.
"It's good to have that skill, to bounce over there and play. But the biggest thing moving forward is catching."
"He can handle first base," Roberts said. "I don't feel good with him in left field, but he's done it. "Right now the main thing is to spell Will; continue to be good behind the plate."
"break glass in case of emergency move"
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