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Dalton Rushing gets humbled by umpire after long run of bad PR for Dodgers

Sometimes, a wrong can feel right.
Jordan Campbell
Jordan Campbell

Dodgers Way

Mar 4, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing against Team Mexico during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Dalton Rushing has made life easy for those who hate the Los Angeles Dodgers. Sure, he appears to be at the start of a breakout season, but he's made headlines for all the wrong reasons over the past few weeks. Most recently, Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner confirmed Rushing had some choice words for Miguel Amaya over the weekend. The thing about baseball is that karma has a way of catching up to a player.

In the fifth inning of the Dodgers' 2-1 loss to the Miami Marlins on Tuesday, Rushing was at the plate with an 0-2 count. In an instance that happens so often that baseball fans may not even be aware it's happening, Rushing called for time, and it was seemingly acknowledged by home plate umpire Clint Vondrak. Except, it wasn't. Vondrak called Rushing out on an automatic strike three call.

This is a classic case of the worst person you know just made a great point. Looking at the reply, it was clear that Rushing made eye contact with Vondrak while requesting a timeout, and it seemed that the request was acknowledged. Despite that impression, Vondrak ruled a pitch-clock violation on Rushing.

It was only a matter of time for Dalton Rushing

Dave Roberts came to Rushing's defense, and the young catcher was seen looking at the replay in the Dodgers' dugout. What truly put the karma over the top was Rushing reenacting the fact that he made eye contact with Vondrak while requesting time, and the request was seemingly granted.

As much as Dodgers fans may not want to admit, it was only a matter of time before something humbled Rushing. Admittedly, the expectation may have been that the humbling may have been policed between the players on the field — not a home plate umpire.

The hope is that this may be a learning moment for Rushing. Though considering how he responded to the incident with Jung Hoo Lee of the San Francisco Giants, chances are the rookie catcher won't use this moment to look from within and better himself.

No one should downplay the success that Rushing is enjoying this season, posting a 255 wRC+ through his first 49 plate appearances with 7 home runs, but in terms of how to conduct himself at the major-league level, he has a lot to learn. Until he does, as Tuesday proved, Rushing isn't going to be given the benefit of the doubt.

Jordan Campbell

Jordan Campbell

For nearly 16 years, Jordan has been a workhorse across the FanSided network - including being the inaugural site expert for Cubbies Crib, as well as a stop at Da Windy City as the site expert. In addition to returning to be a Co-Site Expert at Cubbies Crib, Jordan was previously the Site Expert at Bear Goggles On. In the years since, Jordan has joined FanSided's full-time team, serving as a staff writer for the MLB division. Jordan's work can be seen across the MLB division, including a consistent presence on our Cubs, Dodgers, and Angels sites. Since 2010, Jordan has dedicated his craft to providing insightful commentary on all things Chicago sports, and he has enjoyed his venture into all things Major League Baseball.