Welcome to California Post Weekly Dodgers Recap— here, baseball writers Dylan Hernandez and Jack Harris reflect on the week, hand out some unofficial awards, and consider how the season is shaping up.
This week’s question
What to expect from Dalton Rushing as the starting catcher?
Dalton Rushing has expressed his desire not to be a backup for too long.
The Dodgers placed Will Smith on injured reserve Thursday due to a neck injury, opening the door for Rushing to step in more prominently in a starting role.
Rushing has already been starting as the primary catcher since last weekend, filling in for Smith, who was sidelined with discitis.
So far, Rushing’s performance has been a bit of a mixed bag but generally solid. He had four hits and three RBIs in a recent game against the Angels, though aside from that, he’s managed just two hits in 14 at-bats. Still, he helped the Dodgers achieve a 3-2 record while catching, although things got a bit tense when he was left stranded at second during several ABS calls against Shohei Ohtani on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old has received positive feedback from manager Dave Roberts, who noted Rushing’s growth in what has been a much-improved second year in the majors.
“I think that was one of the bright spots of Smith being out—we gave Dalton a chance,” Roberts remarked. “He’s doing a great job with the pitching staff, and his at-bats have become more consistent. The production is there, and giving him this opportunity will be beneficial for his development.”
Rushing’s opportunity to prove himself will extend at least until next weekend, as Smith can’t return until June 19th.
Player of the Week
Ryan Ward (This week: 4 hits in 19 at-bats, 2 home runs, 8 RBIs, batting average .242, OPS .840)
It’s uncertain how long Ward will stay in the majors, especially with Tommy Edman wrapping up his rehab, and Teoscar Hernandez not expected back for another few weeks.
However, Ward has capitalized on his chance, hitting two home runs this week, including his first career grand slam on Wednesday in Pittsburgh.
But signs of struggle are there; he’s clocked in 10 strikeouts over 34 at-bats this season. Yet, this 28-year-old rookie has made a significant impact, with his grand slam raising his RBI total to 11 in just 10 games.
His defensive play in left field has also been a pleasant surprise, showing off some nice catches thanks to daily practice with outfield coach Dino Eber.
For now, Ward has added depth as a left-handed option in the Dodgers’ outfield rotation, leaving quite an impression, even if this won’t be a long-term role.
Pitcher of the Week
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (This week against the Angels: 8 innings, 1 run, 2 hits, 4 strikeouts, season record 6-4, ERA 2.68, 73 strikeouts in 77 1/3 innings)
This hasn’t been the best week for the Dodgers’ pitching lineup, but Yamamoto certainly stood out with his strongest performance of the season.
Had the defense been a touch better during the first inning against the Angels, he might have even had a shot at a no-hitter, as he kept them hitless for the remaining seven innings.
This outing showcased the effectiveness and efficiency he has been improving upon since last October, when he pitched two complete games.
Yamamoto is currently in the running to be the only Dodgers pitcher, aside from Shohei Ohtani, to snag an All-Star Game selection. He sits seventh in the NL for ERA (2.68), second in WHIP (0.92), and sixth in batting average against (.201).
This week’s outlook
Mike Sirota (Currently on base for 50 consecutive games, batting average .337, 10 home runs, and 39 RBIs in High-A/Double-A)
We’ve mentioned Sirota before, but his current performance warrants another look.
As of Friday, the 22-year-old outfield prospect—who the Dodgers acquired in a trade for Gavin Lux—became the first minor leaguer in over two years to reach base in 50 straight games.
Sirota’s stock in the prospect rankings has been climbing, recently landing at No. 19 overall in Baseball America.
He’s one of several standout outfielders in the Dodgers’ farm system, proving that the organization has maintained a robust player pipeline despite limited top draft picks in recent years.
This week’s Future Dodger
(A sometimes far-fetched, sometimes grounded look at potential future additions to the Dodgers roster.)
Kyle Finnegan, Tigers (ETA: August)
Given the Tigers’ struggles this season, it’s logical for teams like the Dodgers to look into acquiring players from their roster. The Dodgers could use some help in the bullpen, especially with uncertainties around Edwin Diaz’s return. Finnegan, a 34-year-old righty with a 2.01 ERA over 31 1/3 innings, is under contract until next season and includes a mutual option for 2028. But the Tigers won’t get much value back during their rebuild after losing Tarik Skubal this winter. How about a trade for both Skubal and Finnegan together?
