Dave Roberts Defends Dalton Rushing Amid Latest Viral Controversy: ‘He called timeout’

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing found himself on the wrong side of a moment of confusion with the umpire Tuesday night, and it cost him a strikeout. In the fifth inning, Rushing was hitting and asked the umpire for a timeout, which the umpire appeared to acknowledge and grant. Feb 21, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Rushing, however, was then called for a pitch-clock violation, resulting in strike three. Video posted to social media appears to back up Rushing’s account of the incident, and it also captured his expletive-laden reaction in the dugout.

‘He Said It Twice’: Dave Roberts Backs Dalton Rushing After Viral Strikeout Violation After the game, manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Rushing was in the right, though he alleged no ill will on the part of the umpire. “Dalton called timeout, and I just saw the replay. He called timeout and he said it twice and I just think the umpire didn’t hear it clearly,” Roberts said.

“I know he wasn’t just trying to blatantly do wrong by Dalton, but I just don’t think he heard it. But I did see a head nod, too. So, you assume that he heard it and acknowledged, but clearly he didn’t.