Dodgers Prospect Dalton Rushing is Getting Promoted: Reports

Dalton Rushing, MLB Pipeline’s No. 46 overall prospect, is moving up to Triple-A, as first reported by Dodgers Digest and confirmed in multiple reports Sunday. The 23-year-old played for the Tulsa Drillers and hit two homers for the team Sunday before being promoted.

Rushing is slashing .438/.500/1.188 to kick off the month of August. In his last 11 games, he’s had seven home runs and driven in 12 runs. The power hitter has posted an .890 OPS with 15 doubles, 17 home runs and 59 RBIs in 77 games this year. Rushing leads the Texas League in slugging percentage and RBIs.

It’s interesting to note that Rushing recently played four games in left field for Tulsa. He will likely see more time in the outfield since Oklahoma City will also have Hunter Feduccia and Diego Cartaya as catchers on the roster.

With the promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City, he is now one step away from the majors.

Realistically, the prospect will make his Dodgers debut in 2025 but there is a possibility for an end-of-season major league cameo for Rushing in 2024. This would only be possible if Rushing continues his hot streak in Triple-A. Either way, it’s apparent the front office is keeping an eye on him.

If Rushing were to make his Dodgers debut this season, he would need to be added to the 40-man roster by Aug. 31 in order to be postseason-eligible.

Rushing has a superb overall offensive profile. He has reached base at a .378 clip and is slugging .512. He has phenomenal plate discipline and a strong hit tool.

Rushing has a .934 OPS across parts of three minor league seasons. He’s regarded by scouts as versatile at the plate with a quick, compact left-handed swing that’s allowed him to hit for both average and power. Rushing doesn’t sell out for home runs, makes good contact at the plate, and draws walks (.413 OBP in 196 minor league games).

The Louisville alum started just two games in his first two seasons for the program; his teammate, Henry Davis, was the No. 1 overall pick in 2021. After an outstanding 2022 season, the Dodgers made Rushing their top pick in the 2022 Draft, 40th overall.

Since he doesn’t have much experience behind the plate, Rushing still needs to work on his receiving and blocking abilities but he has a strong arm to combat the running game. Additionally, Rushing still needs to understand how to call games with finesse and run a pitching staff.

Dodgers Also Promote Edgardo Henriquez, Alex Freeland, Kelvin Bautista

In addition to Rushing, the Dodgers are moving two other prospects up a level.

Tulsa Drillers right-hander Edgardo Henriquez and infielder Alex Freeland are moving up to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Left-hander Kelvin Bautista is moving up to Double-A Tulsa.

Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic was the first to note Freeland’s promotion. Trinidad Loeza noted Henriquez’s promotion on Twitter/X. MILB.NewsNetwork on Instgram noted Bautista’s promotion.

Photo Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

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