Dodgers News: Austin Barnes Officially Named Backup Catcher
Austin Barnes will get his chance.
According to the OC Register, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts declared Barnes the backup catcher, saying “it’s his time” and praising his athleticism and pitch framing abilities.
The announcement doesn’t come with much fanfare. Barnes was stuck behind Yasmani Grandal and A.J. Ellis for most of the year, then L.A. traded Ellis for Carlos Ruiz. Ruiz was sent to the Mariners early in the offseason, leaving the backup spot clear for Barnes.
Roberts didn’t rule out Barnes playing the infield as well, specifically mentioning second and third base. Barnes has played all the aforementioned spots and the outfield in the minors.
[graphiq id=”iEEY7FrM0Cx” title=”Austin Barnes” width=”500″ height=”748″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/iEEY7FrM0Cx” link_text=”Graphiq” ]Barnes appeared in just 21 games for the Dodgers in 2016, but performed well in Triple-A with a .295/.380/.443 line in 85 games. Barnes was acquired from Miami in the Dee Gordon trade.
As Kenley Jansen ponders his next move, the Dodgers image life without their saves leader.
No offense to Barnes at all but this falls way short of being such exciting and important news.
this is what writers covering the dodgers do. report what the dodgers tell them or report what real baseball writers have written. I think they are all hockey writers.