Max Muncy urges Shohei Ohtani to learn lesson from Dalton Rushing exchange

Los Angeles Dodgers stars Mookie Betts and Max Muncy addressed the tense exchange between Shohei Ohtani and Dalton Rushing last month during a July 2 episode of Betts’ “On Base” podcast.

“Everybody kind of saw it. When they go down… I saw really just seeing how this was gonna play out, what was possibly gonna be said,” Betts said after he and Muncy shared a laugh about them both peeking into the clubhouse after Ohtani and Rushing went down there.

Shohei Ohtani pitches during a Los Angeles Dodgers game. Getty Images

Ohtani was initially upset with Rushing after a passed ball. The two had a conversation on the mound where Ohtani appeared to be upset about the play, and both were at odds because of an apparent difference in opinion about the pitches being called during the June 25 game against the Minnesota Twins.

“I think it’s a good growing moment for both guys,” Muncy added. “Sho’s not always gonna be able to throw to Will [Smith], and this is one of those where it was like, hey, sometimes Sho wants to throw a pitch that maybe isn’t the best pitch to throw. You learn how to deal with that the more you’ve been in those types of situations.”

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing looks on during a game. Getty Images

Ohtani typically pitches to Dodgers catcher Will Smith. But because Smith is sidelined with a neck injury, he has had to throw to Rushing instead.

Betts then said, “What I really enjoyed was how Rush later on took accountability. He knows that he has a lot on his plate.”

“You’re the catcher for a staff that’s first in baseball in a lot of categories,” Muncy responded with a laugh. “So yeah, that’s a lot on your plate. And he has done an amazing job handling it. Not one of us knew how to handle that situation at that stage.”

It’s interesting to hear Muncy speaking about how he believes Ohtani essentially needs to learn to trust Rushing when it comes to calling pitches.

Regardless, every time Ohtani pitches to Rushing — including the Dodgers’ July 3 game against the San Diego Padres — will be must-see TV.

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