Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner has expressed his regret at not confronting Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing after Rushing allegedly insulted Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya during a game. The incident occurred during the third inning of Saturday’s game when Amaya took second base. Rushing’s comment prompted a surprised reaction from Hoerner.
Hoerner’s Reaction
Hoerner confirmed that Rushing called Amaya a “fat f***” during an appearance on the Spiegel & Holmes Show on Tuesday. “I wish that I had confronted him a little more directly, to be honest. I was pretty taken aback and in the middle of my at-bat. It was just kind of a strange thing to experience. So yeah, I felt a little weird about that.
Hoerner added, “I’m not saying I should have like tackled the guy or anything. But yeah, just a little taken aback. Just at the end of the day, you just want to have your teammates’ backs.” The Dodgers won the game 12-4.
Rushing’s Recent Controversies
Rushing seems to have antagonized opponents in three straight series. Before the incident with the Cubs, Rushing accused the Colorado Rockies of sign-stealing. The Rockies mocked Rushing for the rest of the series, and manager Dave Roberts dismissed the idea.
Rushing was also accused of saying “f*** ‘em” after a play at the plate left San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee injured. Rushing denied saying that and said he cleared the air with Lee but still got a plunking. Rushing then hit Giants shortstop Willy Adames with a retro takeout slide on a double-play ball in the next game.
Rushing’s Background
Rushing was the Dodgers’ first player taken in the 2022 MLB Draft, with the 40th overall pick in the second round. He was soon making top-100 prospect lists. Rushing has worked as a backup since his MLB debut in May 2025.
- In 2025, Rushing slashed .204/.258/.324 with 4 homers and 58 strikeouts in 155 plate appearances.
- He had only one trip to the plate in the 2025 playoffs.
- This season, Rushing has posted a .348/.423/.848 line with seven homers.
Rushing’s seven homers are second on the Dodgers, despite only 52 plate appearances.
Rushing’s success has seen him get more playing time.