The Los Angeles Dodgers snapped their first four-game losing streak of the season behind more early scoring and seven scoreless innings from Clayton Kershaw, but they also suffered an Austin Barnes injury scare en route to avoiding being swept by the Cincinnati Reds.
With the Dodgers leading 6-0 and two outs in the ninth inning, the Reds intentionally walked James Outman to bring up Barnes. He wound up being hit by a pitch in the right hand and repeatedly shook his arm while walking up the first-base line.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and trainer Yosuke “Possum” Nakajima checked on Barnes, who initially remained in the game before being removed when the bottom of the ninth inning began.
Barnes was sent for X-rays after the Dodgers’ shutout win, which he said came back negative despite there being a considerable amount of pain, via SportsNet LA:
“It didn’t feel too good, but it seems like it’s alright. First test, seems like there’s no broken bones or anything. It hit me kind of on the meatier part, but it’s going to hurt though. It didn’t feel good.”
Prior to the results of Barnes’ X-rays returning, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts voiced some concern. He cited Barnes’ reluctance to come out of games in most other potential injury situations, and the sound of the 95 mph fastball making contact with his right hand/wrist area.
Barnes went 1-for-4 with an RBI double and made hard contact in multiple at-bats during the Dodgers’ win.
Dodgers catchers if Austin Barnes goes on IL
Although it appears unlikely, if Barnes needs to go on the 10-day injured list, the Dodgers are likely to call up a catcher from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Roberts ruled out the possibility of top Dodgers prospect Diego Cartaya joining the team from Double-A Tulsa.
When the Dodgers were without Will Smith because of a concussion, they went outside the organization and signed Austin Wynns.
Dodgers Minor League catchers who could replace Barnes if necessary are Hunter Feduccia, David Freitas and Patrick Mazeika. None of the three are on the 40-man roster.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
