Dodgers Pitcher Credits Dalton Rushing for Getting Him Out of 'Mess' The Los Angeles Dodgers survived Shohei Ohtani's worst statistical start of the 2026 season on Wednesday, eking out a 5-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Dodgers star first baseman Freddie Freeman displayed his knack for clutch at-bats, launching a 407-foot home run that just barely escaped the reach of Rays center fielder Cedric Mullins. Freeman wasn't the only hero of the game, though. Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia had a shoutout for catcher Dalton Rushing after a shaky ninth inning threatened the Dodgers' lead. Of his first five batters faced, Vesia walked three, including an intentional walk of star designated hitter Yandy Diaz. Mullins had a chance to tie the game, or take a lead, before Vesia struck him out with an 84-mph slider that secured the Dodgers' third-straight win. "I put myself into that mess," Vesia said to reporters after the game. "[Dalton Rushing] and I were just — I was leaning on him, to be honest. He had some good words of encouragement during a couple meetings. Just trust my stuff. I felt like I was nibbling around the edge. Overall, I’ll take it. It was a good win for all of us." Rushing has made headlines many times this year for all the wrong reasons. However, internally, the Dodgers have continued to praise the young backstop, both for his play and his accountability. Earlier this week, Rushing took responsibility for the Dodgers' loss to the Chicago White Sox, saying he was "exposed" by them in his pitch calling. "They made a few adjustments as an offense and exposed me personally," the young catcher said. Rushing has seen an increased role with starting catcher Will Smith landing on the 10-day injured list with a neck injury.#los_angeles_dodgers #freddie_freeman #cedric_mullins #dalton_rushing #alex_vesia
Dalton Rushing on Navigating Staff through Tense Series with Rays The Los Angeles Dodgers’ victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday was defined as much by the strategic guidance of catching coach Dalton Rushing as by the game’s outcome. In the ninth inning of a 5-4 win, Rushing played a pivotal role in steadying pitcher Alex Vesia during a high-pressure moment. With the bases loaded and the Dodgers clinging to a one-run lead, Vesia struggled with command, loading the bases before Rushing intervened. His two trips to the mound, combined with a focused message of confidence, culminated in Vesia throwing a slider that struck out Cedric Mullins to end the game. Rushing emphasized the importance of tailoring his approach to each pitcher’s mindset. “He’s a high-energy guy, so any piece of confidence I can throw his way is going to help him at the end of the day,” Rushing said. He noted that Vesia had been missing his fastball high in the zone, requiring an adjustment in delivery. Despite the challenge, Rushing was confident in Vesia’s ability to make a critical pitch. “I wasn’t really worried about him being able to make a big pitch in a big spot. He’s done that multiple times in his career.” The moment demanded precision, and Rushing’s strategy was clear: “You go to what you think he can put in the zone. You want to avoid walking a guy in that spot. Left on left, you have the advantage as a pitching staff. You go to whatever pitch you think he can land in the zone and give us the best chance to get weak contact or a miss.” Vesia followed this guidance, reaching a full count against Mullins with the bases loaded. Rushing’s call for the slider proved decisive, as Mullins swung through it, sealing the win.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #tampa_bay_rays #dalton_rushing #alex_vesia
