Dodgers' Dalton Rushing 'Not Going to Change My Game' After Criticism for Viral Moments

Amid a breakout season that has garnered as much attention for his outspoken personality as his on-field performance, Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing isn't planning to change his style.

Speaking to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo, Rushing explained he's "not going to change my game" even though he doesn't want to be seen as a bad guy on the field.

"I don't want guys to look at me as a bad guy on and off the field," Rushing said. "But at the same time, I'm not going to change my game. I'm going to play the same way that I have. I'm going to control the things that are said."

Among the list of viral moments Rushing has been involved in so far this season include saying the Colorado Rockies were doing something "fishy" because they swung at the first pitch frequently during an April 18 win over the Dodgers.

Rushing also seemed to mouth "f--k em" about San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, who appeared to be injured on a play at the plate during an April 21 game.

Giants players also accused Rushing of dirty play for what they felt was a hard slide into second base in an April 23 game.

Rushing has also gotten into with home-plate umpires after he was called out on an automatic strike for a pitch-clock violation when his request for timeout wasn't acknowledged.

Later in the article, Rushing did note that "competing" is his favorite thing to do.

"My favorite thing on this earth is competing," Rushing said. "And I think anyone that knows me personally knows that."

That level of competitive spirit could be driving some of these antics. As long as it doesn't completely overwhelm what he does on the field, the only potential issue is he might be annoying to opposing fans and players.

Another thing that could easily annoy opposing fans and players is Rushing's performance. The 25-year-old entered last season as a top 30 prospect in MLB. He got off to a slow start in the big leagues, hitting .204/.258/.324 in 53 games during the 2025 campaign.

This season has been spectacular for Rushing so far. He is hitting .328/.400/.724 with seven homers in 65 plate appearances.

The Dodgers have needed his production with players like Kyle Tucker and Shohei Ohtani off to slow starts, at least by their usual standards.

Rushing is still fighting for consistent playing time with Will Smith entrenched as the starting catcher. He has started to get some run at DH on days when Ohtani pitches.