Dalton Rushing took accountability for his performance, reactions and disagreements with Shohei Ohtani in last night’s game. He said it’s embarrassing that he needs to be supported through times like this.

Jun 25, 2026

—

by

Dalton Rushing’s ‘Embarrassing’ 2nd Inning Includes Argument With Shohei Ohtani

The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed a series sweep over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday, but a series of incidents in the second inning received far more attention than LA’s win.

Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani took the mound for his 13th start of the season, and just the third in which Dalton Rushing caught him. Will Smith is on the injured list with neck inflammation, so Rushing has had to stand in for the last couple of weeks.

Ohtani and Rushing clearly aren’t on the same page yet, as Ohtani seemingly wanted Rushing to challenge pitches on three different occasions. He ended up challenging one pitch himself, and got the call correct.

That wasn’t the only issue in the inning, as a pitch calling disagreement led to a passed ball and a run.

“There were two pitches called,” Ohtani said of the incident. “The first one was offspeed. The second pitch was a fastball. Rush thought that he was getting an offspeed because I started moving after the first pitch was called, but what I had in mind was the second pitch, which was a fastball.”

Rushing took the blame for the passed ball afterwards.

“I messed it up,” he said. “It was my fault.”

Jun 10, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (68) and two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) make thier way in from the bullpen to play the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

What Happened With Rushing and Ohtani After the Second Inning?

The Dodgers allowed all three runs in the second inning, and Rushing clearly blamed himself for the hiccup. Rushing and Ohtani went down the tunnel after the inning, and when the catcher resurfaced, his teammates and coaches rallied around him for support. After the second inning, Ohtani began calling his own pitches.

“It’s embarrassing that I need support like that,” Rushing said. “I’m a grown man. It’s a pretty tough pill to swallow, both sides of the ball. Not a great showing. It hasn’t been great as of late. I’m going to get better.”

Rushing had a rough day altogether, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, and the broadcast showed him noticeably upset numerous times throughout the game.

Ohtani threw a total of six innings, allowing just the three runs while striking out eight in a winning effort.

Jun 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) looks on before delivering a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

What Are Ohtani’s Stats With Rushing as His Catcher?

Through the three games in which Rushing has caught Ohtani, the reigning MVP has allowed 11 runs, nine earned, through 18.2 innings pitched. Through his 13 starts this year, Ohtani has allowed just 18 runs total.

Ohtani and Rushing are definitely a work-in-progress, but the backup catcher is still in his first full season in MLB, as well as his first real shot as the Dodgers’ starter due to Smith’s injury. Rushing has performed well this season up to this point, and is sure to make the adjustments he needs to in order to ensure the best result possible for the Dodgers.