When the Los Angeles Dodgers traded Carlos Ruiz to the Seattle Mariners during the offseason it paved the way for Austin Barnes to assume backup catching duties to Yasmani Grandal on a full-time basis. Barnes had otherwise served as a third catcher behind A.J. Ellis and Ruiz.
He’s appeared in 88 games and performed well, perhaps buoyed by the confidence that comes with knowing an option back to Triple-A Oklahoma City is not around the corner. While Barnes has remained a steady contributor in spot starts and as a pinch-hitter, Grandal has hit a skid.
It’s similar to the down stretch he endured over the final month of the 2016 regular season. Last September, he batted .229/.289/.514 with two doubles, six home runs, 16 RBI, five walks and 16 strikeouts in 22 games (18 starts).
Grandal is 1-for-30 with one home run, two RBI, six walks and 16 strikeouts through 10 games (nine starts) this month.
That’s lent to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts considering going with Barnes as the primary catcher in the playoffs, according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
“If you’re looking to win 11 games in October, there needs to be consideration of who gives you the best chance to win that particular game,” manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday. “Austin deserves that consideration. He’s earned it.”
The versatile backstop is hitting .294/.413/.471 with 11 doubles, two triples, six home runs and 32 RBI in 88 games (46 starts). His previous career high for games played was 21, set last season.
Barnes is batting .356/.472/.483 against right-handed pitching this season, and .240/.361/.460 off southpaws. Grandal’s hit .249/.301/.471 off righties, and .231/.318/.359 against left-handers.
Roberts previously said he’s equally as confident in Barnes and Grandal regardless of the handedness of a pitcher. Beyond considerations with the bat, Grandal leads the Majors with 15 passed balls.
Barnes in somewhat of a surprise was included on the Dodgers postseason roster last year as a pinch-runner and to provide more flexibility. He’ll again be with the Dodgers in October, this time filling a larger role than was initially anticipated.
