Dodgers fans are already questioning Dave Roberts' comments on Dalton Rushing usage

On Wednesday, the Dodgers finally called up No. 1 prospect Dalton Rushing for his major league debut. Rushing only played 68 games in Triple-A in 2023 and 2024, but his age and potential suggested that the Dodgers were going to have to give him a shot. However, they kept delaying the process by extending or signing players in positions he could've moved into.

Will Smith is his biggest roadblock — Rushing has experience as a catcher, first baseman, and left fielder, but is primarily a catcher — and Rushing has typically been thought of as having too high a ceiling for the Dodgers to make him play second fiddle to Smith forever.

However, it seems like that's what the Dodgers intend to do. Dave Roberts confirmed as much, saying Rushing should be expected to appear behind the plate around twice a week or as a pinch-hit option, but he won't be in the outfield.

While it makes some sense that the Dodgers would keep a bit of a leash on Rushing, who's still waiting on his actual debut after not appearing in the lineup on Wednesday, how is this at all reassuring that the Dodgers actually have a long-term plan for him?

Dave Roberts' plan for No. 1 Dodgers prospect Dalton Rushing's usage still leaves a lot of questions unanswered

The outfield is sort of the perfect place for Rushing to get more consistent playing time. Teoscar Hernández and Tommy Edman are still out, James Outman is batting .059 through seven games, and Michael Conforto is only just starting to pick things up. Putting Rushing out there would present direct competition to Conforto, who will be a free agent at the end of the season and doesn't look like he'll be getting a contract with the Dodgers again.

Sure, the Dodgers have the luxury of not having to make their top prospects come up to the majors too fast, play everyday, and then flame out and disappoint (looking at you, Angels), so they don't have to make Rushing their everyday anything to get him some experience. Experience that could either force the Dodgers to make some tough decisions to keep Rushing on the roster no matter what, or could drive up his trade value for a future offseason or deadline.

Unless the Dodgers intend to trade or DFA Smith, which seems highly unlikely, then keeping Rushing at catcher however long he's in the majors makes it seem like the latter option is more plausible.