Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing spent part of Thursday giving back to the community before the club's game against the San Diego Padres. The 25-year-old participated in a Storytime event through the Dodgers' annual LA Reads literacy initiative.
Rushing visited the Chinatown Branch Library, where he read books to youth from the Dodgers Dreamteam program. Children also received an LA Reads shirt, a bookmark and a free book to take home.
The event is part of the 10th annual LA Reads program, which is run by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation in partnership with the Los Angeles Public Library. Its goal is to encourage reading among young students across Los Angeles.
Dodgers Nation shared photos from Rushing's visit before Thursday night's game.
LA Reads has helped children log more than 6.8 million reading minutes while distributing over 32,000 books through the Dodgers Reading Champions program. Player appearances are designed to make reading more engaging and inspire lifelong learning.
Rushing was selected by the Dodgers in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Louisville. The former No. 1 prospect made his major league debut in 2025 and remains part of the club's catching rotation.
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Through 50 games this season, Rushing is batting .243 with nine home runs, 24 RBIs and an .807 OPS. His offensive production has helped strengthen one of baseball's top lineups.
The Dodgers entered Thursday with a 56-31 record and first place in the National League West. After spending part of the day with local students, Rushing returned his focus to helping Los Angeles open its series against San Diego.
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