Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the media on June 24, 2026, following a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins that completed a series sweep, discussing catcher Dalton Rushing's emotional struggles and pitch-calling sync issues with Shohei Ohtani.
Roberts acknowledged that Rushing has hit a difficult stretch, noting that the young catcher has been swinging through fastballs — an area that is normally a strength of his. Despite the offensive difficulties, Roberts confirmed there was no plan to change the catching arrangement heading into the Padres series. With Will Smith sidelined, Dalton Rushing remains the Dodgers' primary catcher for now, with Chuckie Robinson available as the backup. Roberts emphasized that Rushing's first obligation remains serving the pitching staff. "He still understands his priority is to serve the pitchers and be behind the plate," Roberts said during the press conference, adding that Rushing is "still having a really nice year for us and helping us win a lot of ball games."
Early in the game, Rushing and Ohtani were visibly out of sync, which Roberts noted caused Ohtani's pitch count to climb too high. Pitching coach Mark made a mound visit during the rough second and third innings to help settle things down. "I thought Mark made a good visit and tried to settle some things down, get them on the same page, and then after that it went really well," Roberts stated. Ohtani subsequently took over pitch-calling duties from Rushing, and Roberts explained that the shift actually benefited the young catcher. "I actually think it freed him up. If there's ever any doubt, the pitcher always has the right of last refusal," he added, noting the battery became cleaner afterward.
Roberts had a lengthy bench conversation with Rushing during a half-inning to keep him emotionally grounded. "I was just trying to keep him focused on not letting his emotions get the best of him," Roberts explained. "I thought after that third inning he was fantastic." Roberts and Rushing share a close relationship, and the manager pointed to the broader learning curve facing any young catcher handling a high-caliber staff. He drew a historical comparison to AJ Ellis managing Clayton Kershaw, while acknowledging a key difference: Ellis was not expected to contribute offensively, whereas Rushing carries that additional burden. "He's still trying to find his way in the big leagues. He's trying to perform offensively. It's not easy when you're trying to catch a staff like we have as a young player," Roberts mentioned.
Roberts also highlighted Mookie Betts as a standout performer in the win, crediting both his offense and defense. Roberts said Betts recorded three hits including a home run, and noted that a defensive play Betts made up the middle on Crowley's ball ranked among the most important plays of the game. Roberts also said Betts hit his 300th career home run in the contest, calling it a milestone, while observing that even during stretches when Betts has scuffled offensively, his defense has not wavered. With the sweep complete, the Dodgers now turn their attention to the San Diego Padres series, with Rushing set to remain behind the plate as the starting catcher.