Dalton Rushing, the Dodgers and a 1.761 OPS problem with DH Shohei Ohtani, catcher Will Smith originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Let's get this out of the way first: The Los Angeles Dodgers don't have many real problems these days.Most of the issues they have are ones like this with Dalton Rushing, where it could mostly be described as "a good problem to have."But still, Rushing has created a dilemma for the Dodgers and manager Dave Roberts.The 25-year old catcher has begun the campaign 12-for-27 in limited action. That's a .444 average.
He already has seven home runs (and two doubles), 13 RBI and 10 runs scored.Rushing has put up a 1.761 OPS.The problem is that he can't play every day, or close to it.Will Smith is the Dodgers' starting catcher and still plays most days.Freddie Freeman is the everyday first baseman.Shohei Ohtani always has the DH spot in the lineup.Rushing has played a bit of outfield in the minor leagues, so would that mean he could take the place of Teoscar Hernandez? That wouldn't be a full-out replacement, either.The Dodgers don't have a ton of options.MORE: Nathan Lukes is on fire since Blue Jays discovered his vertigoCould Shohei Ohtani play the outfield?This is a question fans have started asking, but the simple reality is that the Dodgers wouldn't do this.Ohtani can play out there.
He's athletic and fast and has a good arm. But the Dodgers would never, ever risk their two-way player by having him run around on the grass. They'd be much more likely to push Rushing out there, but even then, it's crowded.Could Dodgers trade Dalton Rushing?This seems unlikely, too.Rushing would have solid trade value, but the Dodgers know he's the heir to Smith when it's time to hand off the baton.In the meantime, Rushing may just have to be patient.So what now?
Rushing likely has to wait his turn.If he keeps hitting when he plays, he'll be given more playing time, and then he has to keep hitting some more.Rushing was a highly regarded prospect, which makes his performance quite believable. As long as he performs, Roberts will keep finding chances to play him.More MLB news:Explaining the absurdity of 2 MLB players named Max MuncyThis hitter has a worse OBP than his batting averageRed Sox green uniforms have absurd walk-off magicThis slider is really good and moves the entirely wrong directionAustin Hedges ended a great Guardians day with a proposal