Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says catcher Dalton Rushing is “most likely” to be behind the plate again when Shohei Ohtani pitches next Wednesday. Roberts frames the decision as part of a continued plan for the Ohtani–Rushing battery after a difficult outing that drew attention online. Roberts indicates the team is working to ensure clear alignment going forward, adding that “we’ll all be on the same page.”
Multiple reports describe Roberts’ update as confirming Rushing’s near-term role rather than signaling an immediate change in the catching assignment. In the same context, Roberts also notes that veteran catcher Will Smith remains shut down and is not available to return in the near term, which helps explain why Rushing is expected to continue handling catching duties for Ohtani.
Overall, the sources agree the Dodgers intend to keep the pairing intact for Ohtani’s next start, while they maintain Smith on the shelf and continue internal coordination around how the catcher and pitcher work together.
