Dodgers Dalton Rushing gets chance to serve as starter

Welcome to The California Post’s weekly Dodgers recap, where baseball writers Dylan Hernández and Jack Harris review the week that was, hand out very official awards and take stock of the state of the season.How will Dalton Rushing do as fill-in starting catcher?Dalton Rushing has not been shy about saying he doesn’t want to be a backup forever.Right now, with the Dodgers officially placing Will Smith on the injured list Thursday with a neck injury, the former first-round pick will get his first extended audition to prove himself in a starting role.Really, Rushing has been filling in as the everyday catcher since last weekend, getting five straight starts since Smith was first sidelined with what was later diagnosed as an inflamed disk.So far, the former top prospect’s results have been solid, albeit mixed.He had a four-hit, three-RBI game last week against the Angels but is just 2-for-14 otherwise.

He has also helped the Dodgers to a 3-2 record as the backstop behind the plate but was left second-guessing some ABS decisions in Shohei Ohtani’s most recent start Wednesday.Overall, the 25-year-old slugger has been praised by manager Dave Roberts, who has repeatedly highlighted Rushing’s growth in what has been a much-improved second big-league season.“I think that’s been one of the silver linings [of Smith being out], giving Dalton some opportunity,” Roberts said.“I think he’s gotten his footing.

I think he’s doing a great job with the pitchers.His at-bat quality is getting more consistent.

The production is there.Just giving him the opportunity is certainly a plus for him and his growth.”Indeed, the opportunity will continue at least until next weekend, with Smith not eligible to return until June 19.Ryan Ward (4-for-19, 2 home runs, 8 RBIs this week; .242 average, .840 OPS this year)How much longer Ward remains in the majors isn’t clear, with Tommy Edman nearing the end of his rehab assignment and Teoscar Hernández already several wee...