The San Francisco Giants signed veteran catcher Austin Barnes to a minor league contract, primarily for depth and experience behind the plate, with potential to join the MLB roster. Barnes, released by the Dodgers earlier this year, brings defensive expertise and veteran leadership, especially valuable given the Giants' current catching struggles and the team's playoff aspirations.
Austin Barnes, the struggling Dodgers catcher, followed up his game-winning home run on Thursday with a run-scoring bunt in Saturday's game against the Miami Marlins, helping the Dodgers secure a 3-1 comeback victory in the first game of a doubleheader. Despite his poor offensive performance this season, Barnes has been praised for his solid game-calling and receiving abilities, and his recent contributions have provided a glimmer of hope for the struggling player. The Dodgers' win marked their 31st comeback victory of the season and improved their August record to 16-2.
The Los Angeles Dodgers extended their winning streak to 11 games with a 1-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, improving their August record to an impressive 15-1. Lance Lynn delivered a stellar performance, pitching seven scoreless innings and showcasing his veteran ability to navigate tough situations. Austin Barnes contributed offensively with a solo home run in the eighth inning. The Dodgers' starting rotation has been a key factor in their recent success, allowing just two runs over 18 innings in the series against the Brewers and holding opponents to two or fewer runs in seven of their last eight games.
As the Los Angeles Dodgers approach the 1/4 mark of the 2023 regular season, eight of their 18 players are hitting below .200, including catcher Austin Barnes who has a dismal .111 batting average. While Barnes is an exceptional defensive catcher and Clayton Kershaw's personal catcher, the Dodgers have a viable alternative in 21-year-old Diego Cartaya, who is already on the team's 40-man roster and considered one of the best defensive catchers in the minors. Sending Barnes to Triple-A or the IL could help him improve while giving Cartaya valuable experience at the highest level.
Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes defends the World Baseball Classic, stating that it is a great idea and means a lot to everyone involved. Some people have criticized the tournament due to the risk of injuries, but players have spoken out in support of it. Despite injury concerns, athletes are focused on representing their countries and winning games.
