One of the biggest surprises for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season has been the emergence of Austin Barnes, who was believed to just be the team’s backup catcher behind Yasmani Grandal this season.
Barnes’ play has been so well that he has taken time away from Grandal behind the plate, and he’s even earned some time at second base. The Dodgers acquired Barnes from the Miami Marlins in 2014, and he reached the Majors in both 2015 and 2016 but saw limited action.
When the team traded Carlos Ruiz to the Seattle Mariners in the offseason, it cleared he way for Barnes to become the unquestioned backup. He’s taken the opportunity and thoroughly capitalized on it.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently commented on what he feels the biggest difference has been with Barnes this season, and again praised the 27-year-old, via Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
“Last year, my first time being around him, the game was very fast,” Roberts said. “Offensively, behind the plate, communicating with pitchers. And this year, it’s really, really slowed down, in all phases of the game. The way he’s receiving information, the way he’s communicating with pitchers and conducting himself in the batter’s box, all things very positive. Very pleased.”
Overall on the season, Barnes is hitting .291/.410/.493 with eight home runs and 38 RBIs in a career-high 100 games. Barnes’ production has led to the Dodgers often utilizing a platoon behind the plate.
In recent weeks the playing time has shifted even more in favor of Barnes though, with him earning additional starts against right-handed pitchers. Until recently, there were growing whispers over whether Barnes or Grandal should be the primary starter in the playoffs.
Grandal’s improved production at the plate over the last few games has quieted some of that discussion. However, if the Dodgers were to face the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Division Series, Barnes may very well start if southpaw Robbie Ray is on the mound.
Roberts recently said he’s equally comfortable with Barnes or Grandal catching, regardless of an opponent’s starting pitcher.
