Dalton Rushing Sparks Fan Fury Following Exchange With Shohei Ohtani in 4-3 Win Over Twins: “He’s Becoming a Real Problem”

Dalton Rushing and Shohei Ohtani had some miscommunications and were not on the same page earlier in the game against the Minnesota Twins.

Dalton Rushing Sparks Fan Fury Following Exchange With Shohei Ohtani in 4-3 Win Over Twins: “He’s Becoming a Real Problem”

Shohei Ohtani and Dalton Rushing (Image via X/@DodgerBlue1958/MLB)

Dalton Rushing and Shohei Ohtani were not on the same page on Wednesday. During the game against the Minnesota Twins, the rookie catcher had an exchange with his starting pitcher in a chaotic second inning. His actions sparked some fan fury on social media.

Ohtani, the reigning National League MVP, was on the mound as the Los Angeles Dodgers looked to sweep the American League Central side. While the Japanese international had dominated as a pitcher this season, he had some rough patches in his previous two starts.

In the bottom of the second inning, the Dodgers were leading 1-0 after a home run from Mookie Betts in the top of the inning opened the scoring. Ohtani proceeded to give up 3 singles and loaded up the bases with 1 out.

While going up against Ryan Kreidler, Ohtani’s 102 mph fastball passed by Rushing. This allowed Victor Cartini to score from third. Rushing did not seem happy with him at the moment and exchanged a stern look.

The teammates would then have a chat. They came near the mound and exchanged a few words with Ohtani’s interpreter, Will Ireton being present as well.

A 2-run single from Kreidler put the Twins 3-1 up. In the top of the 3rd inning, the Dodgers came back. A single from Ohtani, Max Muncy, and a sacrifice fly from Alex Call saw the NL West side turn the game around and lead 4-3.

Ohtani and Rushing also had some miscommunications regarding challenging calls. In the at-bat against Kreidler in the 2nd inning, a sweeper from Ohtani was deemed a ball by the umpire.

As the 31-year-old tapped his cap for the challenge, Rushing was not too convinced about it. The ABS challenge revealed the ball to be just inside the zone and resulted in the call being overturned to a strike.

There was another pitch that he wanted to challenge. However, his catcher was not in his favor.

When the Dodgers were 3-2 down in the third inning, the cameras pointed towards Dave Roberts in the dugout. The Dodgers manager was seen having a conversation with Rushing.

In the third inning, Ohtani took full control of pitch-calling duties. Eventually, the 5-time All-Star got his grip and retired 13 of the last 15 batters he faced. He ended the day with 6 innings pitched, 5 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), and 8 strikeouts. As a batter, he went 2-for-5 with 1 RBI.

Meanwhile, Rushing had a game to forget and went 0-for-4 with 3 strikeouts. In the end, the Dodgers won 4-3 and completed the sweep of the Twins.

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Dalton Rushing faces backlash from fans following his exchange with Shohei Ohtani

Dalton Rushing found himself under backlash once again on Wednesday. The 25-year-old was frustrated after a pitch from Shohei Ohtani passed him, leading to the Minnesota Twins leveling the game at 1-1.

Shohei Ohtani and Dalton Rushing
Shohei Ohtani and Dalton Rushing (Image via X/@YahooFantasy)

Users on X were not pleased to see Rushing’s reactions. Many blasted him for his actions and called him out. One user wrote, “He’s becoming a real problem,” while making their feelings known regarding Rushing.

Check out that and some other reactions from X below:

This is not the first time Rushing has found himself in hot water. Earlier this season, San Francisco Giants star Luis Arraez called him out following his actions in the series against them.

The catcher also caught flak for his comments against the Colorado Rockies. This led to many labeling him as a “villain.” He then hit back at this narrative with several of his teammates defending him.

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Dalton Rushing admitted he had not been great as of late

Dalton Rushing did not have the best of games on Wednesday. The American international went hitless and struck out 3 times. Following the game, he admitted he had not been great lately.

Dalton Rushing
Dalton Rushing (Image via X/@JustBB_Media)

While speaking with the reporters in the clubhouse, Rushing opened up about the incident with Ohtani in the second inning. He admitted that his teammate did a great job while claiming to be embarrassed by his own play.

I thought he (Shohei) did a good job. I didn’t do a great job, start to finish. It was pretty embarrassing. Thankfully, he’s as good as he is and he could take control of a game … It was not a great show, and it hasn’t been great as of late, and I’m gonna be better.

Dalton Rushing told the reporters

Rushing, who has 8 home runs and 22 RBIs this season, has been in a slump recently. In the last 7 games, he has just 2 hits in 20 plate appearances with 1 RBI, 1 walk, and 8 strikeouts. He hopes to turn things around quickly as the Dodgers take on the San Diego Padres next.

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