Shohei Ohtani returns to the mound Friday night with Dalton Rushing behind the plate, reuniting the battery after a rocky performance in Minneapolis eight days ago. During that start, Ohtani showed visible frustration with Rushing's pitch selection, including a heated exchange over a borderline call that prompted a video review.

The numbers tell part of the story: Ohtani has posted a 4.34 ERA in three starts with Rushing, compared to a stellar 0.74 ERA when Will Smith catches him. Smith's neck injury has forced the Dodgers into this pairing, leaving manager Dave Roberts to manage the adjustment period between his star pitcher and the 25-year-old backstop.

After the Minneapolis incident, Rushing was consoled by Roberts and Freddie Freeman in the dugout, later acknowledging it was embarrassing to need that support. The Dodgers pushed Ohtani's start back two days from Wednesday to Friday, partly to give him easier matchups before the All-Star break and allow additional recovery time for his left knee.

Roberts noted Ohtani is feeling better daily and moving well, suggesting the extra rest is paying dividends. For the Dodgers to maximize their investment in Ohtani, this catching tandem must quickly find rhythm before the season's second half intensifies.