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As the Los Angeles Dodgers continue managing Shohei Ohtani’s return as a full-time pitcher, manager Dave Roberts made one thing clear before tonight’s game: rookie catcher Dalton Rushing is expected to call the game. However, when it comes to Ohtani, there is one important exception.
Speaking with reporters ahead of the matchup, Roberts explained that while Rushing will be responsible for guiding the pitching staff, Ohtani has earned the freedom to step in whenever he feels it’s necessary.
“If Shohei wants to interject, he has that right too,” Roberts said.
The comment highlights the unique balance the Dodgers are trying to establish between developing one of baseball’s brightest young catchers and maximizing the talents of one of the game’s greatest players.
For most pitchers, trusting the catcher to call pitches is standard practice. But Ohtani is no ordinary pitcher. As one of the most accomplished two-way stars in MLB history, he possesses an elite understanding of sequencing, hitter tendencies, and in-game adjustments that few players can match.
That experience makes his input incredibly valuable.
At the same time, the Dodgers remain committed to accelerating Dalton Rushing’s development behind the plate. The rookie has impressed the organization with his defensive growth, preparation, and ability to build relationships with the pitching staff. Giving him the responsibility of calling games is another important step in his evolution into a long-term cornerstone for Los Angeles.
The partnership between Ohtani and Rushing has already shown signs of improvement.
Following last week’s outing in Minnesota, questions surfaced about communication between the two after several pitch selections appeared out of sync. But during Ohtani’s most recent start against the San Diego Padres, the battery looked significantly more comfortable working together. Ohtani threw a season-high 110 pitches while striking out nine hitters, and Roberts praised the progress both players have made.
Allowing Ohtani to occasionally override a pitch call isn’t a sign of distrust in Rushing. Instead, it’s recognition that baseball’s best pitcher-catcher relationships are built on collaboration rather than hierarchy.
Veteran catchers often welcome feedback from experienced pitchers, especially those with Ohtani’s elite baseball IQ. As Rushing gains more experience, those conversations are expected to strengthen rather than complicate their relationship.
For the Dodgers, the goal is simple: create an environment where communication flows freely, trust continues to grow, and both players are comfortable making adjustments in real time.
If Roberts’ approach succeeds, Los Angeles won’t just have a promising young catcher and a healthy Shohei Ohtani—they’ll have one of the most dangerous pitcher-catcher combinations in Major League Baseball as the postseason race intensifies.