Dodgers fans shouldn't get excited about Dalton Rushing's cryptic IG story

Ahead of the Sept. 1 deadline to expanded rosters and roster locks, Dodgers writer Blake Harris had an interesting idea for the Dodgers: with Will Smith's struggles at the plate, add No. 1 prospect Dalton Rushing to the 40-man roster and allow him to be called up at a moment's notice, just in case.

It wasn't a bad idea, but it was farfetched. Smith hasn't been dealing with injuries this season; he's just fallen off in the second half. The likelihood the Dodgers would hit a player they extended for 10 years at the beginning of the season with a phantom IL stint or anything of the sort was little to none. Besides, Rushing is a catcher by trade, but he was promoted to Triple-A as an outfielder, and his path to the majors is most likely going to lead him there rather than to the backstop.

However, Rushing posted an Instagram story on Thursday that raised a few eyebrows. It was a classic plane window picture, with a location tag in Burbank. Austin Barnes did go onto the IL for the rest of the regular season, at least, and prospect Hunter Feduccia was recalled again — could the Dodgers be replacing him with Rushing for the last week of the season?

Dodgers fans shouldn't be fooled by Dalton Rushing's latest Instagram story

We can say with some certainty that the answer is no. The Dodgers honor their Minor League Player of the Year around this time every season, so Rushing is most likely in town for that. It definitely bodes well for his future in the majors, maybe even as early as next season, as the Dodgers will be losing Kiké Hernández as a bench option.

However, calling him up this season is a non-starter. Smith has gotten a lot hotter over his last 15 games, and although going into the postseason with a mostly untested prospect as your backup catcher isn't ideal, Feduccia has gotten a few more reps in at the major league level than Rushing, and it's easier to take a chance on him than a completely untested prospect (who's, again, been in the outfield recently).

Dodgers fans will have to wait a little longer to see Rushing in the majors, and that's the best thing for the team right now. It's the best thing for him, too; better to throw him in when stakes are low early next year or during the dog days of August. Congrats to him on that award, though — after a promotion and 35 great games in Triple-A, he definitely deserves it.