Overview
- Hoerner, in a Tuesday radio appearance, affirmed that Rushing called Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya a profane name and said he wished he had stepped in during the at-bat.
- Rushing’s at-bat against the Marlins on Tuesday ended on an automatic strike when his timeout request went unacknowledged and the pitch clock hit zero, costing the Dodgers a chance in the fifth inning.
- The pitch-clock rule gives a strike if the batter is not set before the timer expires, which is waived only if the umpire grants time, making clear communication at the plate essential.
- Rushing reviewed video on the dugout tablet and reacted angrily, while manager Dave Roberts said replay showed Rushing asked for time twice and suggested the umpire likely did not hear him.
- In his next game Wednesday, Rushing held his hand out and made eye contact until the umpire granted time, as a run of recent April flashpoints with the Rockies and Giants keeps focus on his conduct and opponents’ responses.