Dodgers catcher Rushing knows he must prove himself in the new season — and he enjoys that feeling.

Even though Dalton Rushing had hoped for a stronger rookie year, he embraces the feeling of starting the new season with something to prove.

“I like that sense of urgency that comes from underperforming and not living up to your potential — honestly, that was me last year,” Rushing said after going 1-for-3 with a run scored in today’s 3-0 win over the Mariners. “I think the more you face those tough times, or whatever you want to call them, the better. When you’re part of a World Series champion team, it’s hard to call it a bad time.”

“But personally, I like that do-or-die feeling.”

Since topping MLB Pipeline’s Dodgers rookie list, Rushing’s main challenge has been getting enough playing time to fully showcase his talent. He’s not only the backup to one of the league’s best catchers, Will Smith, whose contract runs through 2033, but he also gets some time at first base, where Freddie Freeman rarely rests and plans to play through 2029. Although Rushing briefly tried the outfield in the minors in 2024, that’s not part of future plans, limiting his chances to prove himself at the major league level.

“You have to simplify the problem,” manager Dave Roberts said earlier in spring training. “It’s not about lowering expectations, but understanding what success looks like and what doesn’t. Players naturally focus on stats, but when you’re a young player needing game experience and can’t play every day, stats aren’t just about hits.”

This is the lesson Rushing has been trying to grasp in his rookie season. The team has made it clear that his primary focus upon reaching the majors is defensive development and pitcher familiarity, with any offensive contributions considered a bonus.

Rushing has met expectations defensively, but he remains unsatisfied with his offensive performance. Despite hitting well at all minor league levels, he posted only a .204/.258/.324 slash line in 53 games with the Dodgers.

Arguably, Rushing’s brightest moment last year came in a crucial August game against the Padres when he hit a go-ahead three-run homer, helping the Dodgers reclaim a share of the NL West lead. That game should have given him momentum, but a right leg contusion sidelined him for most of September, limiting his playing time. Subsequently, Ben Rortvedt took over as Smith’s backup in the playoffs.

Rushing sees his biggest challenges as limited playing time and inconsistent performance. He theoretically understands the backup role but finds it difficult to meet the expectations that come with it. The Dodgers hope he grows from last year’s experience.

“I want him to understand what it means to be a backup catcher,” Roberts said. “To really know the pitchers, develop a routine for the few games he plays each week. He’s used to playing more, but I think that’s just part of growing up because when you’re used to playing every day, suddenly not doing so isn’t easy.”

This process involves technical adjustments. During the offseason, Rushing worked on timing his swing, aiming to perform well whether he plays daily or comes off the bench after a few days off. He’s still figuring it out, but with Smith leaving to play in the World Baseball Classic, Rushing will have plenty of time to adapt during this spring training.

Another aspect is mindset. Rushing hopes to have another highlight moment like last August in San Diego, but the team doesn’t expect him to shine every time he steps up. His main goal is to find ways to contribute, no matter the form.

“The keyword this year is ‘contribution,’” Rushing said. “I just want to help this team in any way I can, whether it’s a sacrifice bunt to move a runner in the eighth inning or a go-ahead double. Stepping up in key moments, however that looks. I just want to help the team win.”