Los Angeles Dodgers assess catcher Dalton Rushing ahead of trade deadline

The Los Angeles Dodgers have removed second‑year catcher Dalton Rushing from the lineup for the final game of their series against the New York Mets. Rushing, a 25‑year‑old former second‑round pick, is batting .243 with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs in 69 games and has been the team's fill‑in starter while All‑Star catcher Will Smith recovers from a neck injury.

Analysts note that the upcoming August 3 trade deadline will test the Dodgers' confidence in Rushing. The club has gone 19‑9 with him behind the plate, but his recent offensive slump (0‑for‑19 over two weeks) could prompt a decision to acquire another catcher before the playoffs. Manager Dave Roberts has said the team feels good about Rushing, but the deadline will reveal the true level of trust.