While Tuesday’s game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs was notable in that it was their first meeting since the 2017 National League Championship Series, and Yu Darvish and Brandon Morrow made their debuts, it also marked a checkpoint for Austin Barnes.
He was among a few players who were put on a throwing program in response to a minor injury. Barnes had been dealing with a sore right elbow that limited him to pinch-hit duty. He and the Dodgers both downplayed the nagging issue.
The kid-gloves were removed Tuesday as Barnes started behind the plate to catch Wilmer Font in what was expected to be his final start of the spring. It largely went off without a hitch, though Barnes’ throw on a stolen base attempt was off target.
More importantly, Barnes said the elbow is not an issue and his focus is on shaking off some rust with other aspects of catching, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“It felt good,” said Barnes. “I just rushed the throw. It felt good to be out there. You can’t really simulate the game. I don’t think I’m far behind. Just little stuff about moving to the pitches, going to spots. Just haven’t done it since last year. That’s probably the biggest thing, just game action and managing the game.”
The Dodgers certainly have plenty of time to get their backup catcher prepared for the start of the regular season, as they have only hit the midway point of the Cactus League schedule.
After supplanting Yasmani Grandal as the starter down the stretch last year and into the postseason, Barnes to this point is likely to see his playing time primarily against left-handed pitching.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman recently voiced his confidence in both catchers, and lauded the duo as the best in all of baseball.
