Dodgers insiders shut down Dalton Rushing trade speculation after recent buzz

Will Smith's prolonged absence has thrust Dalton Rushing into the spotlight behind the plate for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and it's safe to say the whole experience has been a mixed bag. He's been a real asset at the plate this year, posting a 124 wRC+ and .821 OPS, good for 1.1 fWAR. That ranks tied for 15th among all MLB catchers this year heading into the All-Star Break.

However, he's also been the main character in an endless amount of drama, including fellow teammates and opponents. It's pretty exhausting and a serious departure from the longstanding professionalism that Smith has always shown.

Add that to the team's inability to find a capable No. 2 backstop with Smith out, and it's clear why there's been a lot of rumors about the Dodgers seeking a major-league catcher to pair with Rushing at the trade deadline.

And yet, even following a recent report that Smith still hasn't made much progress in his recovery, it appears that L.A. is willing to go all-in on their sophomore catcher.

Dodgers putting a lot of faith in Dalton Rushing ahead of trade deadline

According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Dodgers to plan to address their depth behind the plate at the trade deadline. Only, it figures to be on the minor-league variety.

"In the brief conversations I’ve had throughout the organization, it doesn’t sound like improving catching depth at the major-league level is the thought process," Woo wrote. "The Dodgers are satisfied with the production they’re seeing out of Rushing and continue to work with him on the emotional side of the game."

Well. That's certainly an interesting take on the situation.

In fairness to Rushing, he's stepped up as a capable No. 1 backstop in Smith's absence. Ever since the three-time All-Star went down with a neck injury, the 25-year-old has gotten on base at a 33.3% clip while posting a 113 wRC+. Those are impressive offensive numbers for a catcher, and they help to keep Rushing's value afloat even in the midst of a disappointing defensive campaign.

Obviously, the biggest concern with him is that "emotional side of the game," which isn't always the easiest thing to work on during the middle of a season. His immaturity hasn't seriously hurt the Dodgers yet, but it could make all the difference in October.

Perhaps one way to read this report is that the organization is more bullish on Smith's recovery than they've let on in public, though that sounds more like coping than a genuine possibility. Instead, this may simply be a case of the Dodgers giving Rushing an extended audition while their star catcher is out, knowing that it's a very difficult task to integrate a new catcher into a run-prevention system during a postseason push.

Whatever the reasoning, it sounds like the Dodgers are ready to give Rushing the reins for as long as Smith is out. How he responds to the challenge could determine this team's ultimate fate.

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