The Los Angeles Dodgers are navigating a busy period marked by exciting promotions and crucial injury management.
Top catching prospect Dalton Rushing is set for his much-anticipated MLB debut, while the team carefully monitors the status of key pitchers Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow. Here’s a deeper dive into these developing situations.
Dalton Rushing Gets the Call: Versatility on Hold for Now
Highly touted catching prospect Dalton Rushing is slated to make his Major League Baseball debut tonight, May 15, 2025, stepping in to catch a bullpen game for the Dodgers. While Rushing, the club’s No. 40 overall pick in the 2022 draft, has gained experience at first base and in the corner outfield spots in the minors to enhance his defensive flexibility, the immediate plan is for him to focus solely on his duties behind the plate.
Manager Dave Roberts outlined that Rushing is expected to catch approximately twice a week. His integration into the major league squad will be comprehensive, involving participation in daily game-planning meetings, catching bullpen sessions, and serving as a direct understudy to veteran catcher Will Smith.
This approach mirrors how the Dodgers managed Smith’s own introduction to the majors years ago, emphasizing acclimatization to the team’s processes and pitching staff.
“We did it with Will before his rookie year (when we) brought him up in September to get assimilated with how we do things on the game-planning stuff,” Roberts explained. “In one sense, to not take at-bats every day, you could see some downside. But I think that having (him) here in this environment, around our pitchers, around our coaches … I think just net sum was more positive.”
Rushing’s bat has certainly warranted the promotion. He has demonstrated significant offensive prowess at the Triple-A level, compiling an impressive .289/.409/.512 batting line over 301 plate appearances leading up to his call-up.
His keen eye is also notable, reflected in a walk rate exceeding 15%. While his defensive versatility might be tapped into down the road if his offensive production continues to demand a regular spot in the lineup, the initial focus is on honing his catching skills and building rapport with the major league pitching staff.
Roki Sasaki Sidelined with Shoulder Impingement
Dalton Rushing’s debut behind the plate comes in a game that right-hander Roki Sasaki was originally slated to start. However, Sasaki has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a shoulder impingement. Reports indicate that Sasaki began experiencing discomfort in his shoulder earlier this month. The pitcher himself described the issue not primarily as pain, but rather as a sensation of limited mobility – a clear concern for any pitcher’s effectiveness.
The impact of this discomfort appears evident in Sasaki’s recent performance and velocity readings. After averaging 96.4 mph on his fastball through his first six starts of the season, his velocity dipped to 94.8 mph in his two most recent outings.
A similar decrease was observed in his splitter, dropping from an average of 85.2 mph to 84 mph. Even prior to this recent dip, Sasaki’s velocity in MLB hadn’t quite matched the formidable numbers he posted during his career in Japan.
The last two starts before landing on the IL were challenging for Sasaki, as he surrendered eight runs on 11 hits and four walks, with only four strikeouts across nine innings pitched. The Dodgers will now allow his shoulder time to recover.
Currently, there is no firm timetable for his return, and it’s reported that he is not expected to receive an injection to treat the shoulder at this stage. The team will rely on its depth, and the upcoming return of veteran Clayton Kershaw this weekend is timely, helping to solidify the five-man rotation.
Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow Progressing from Injuries
In other pitching news, starters Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are both making positive strides in their recovery from their respective injuries. Snell was reportedly throwing in the outfield on May 14 and is moving forward with his throwing program after a brief pause last week. Similarly, Glasnow has also been cleared to resume throwing.
While this is encouraging news for the Dodgers and their fans, the return of these former All-Stars is not imminent. Both pitchers will need to progress through several crucial milestones in their throwing programs, which typically involve gradually increasing intensity and distance, followed by bullpen sessions and live batting practice.
After these steps, a minor league rehab assignment will be necessary to build up their pitch counts and ensure they are game-ready.
The eventual return of Snell, a former Cy Young award winner, and Glasnow, known for his high strikeout rates, would significantly bolster the Dodgers’ rotation for the stretch run. For now, their steady progress is a positive sign for a team with championship aspirations. The Dodgers will continue to rely on their organizational depth while these key arms work their way back to full strength.
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