The Los Angeles Dodgers looked to build on the encouraging start Roki Sasaki made last week against the Philadelphia Phillies by again having Austin Barnes form the battery with him.
While it’s part of an overall strategy of providing Will Smith with ample rest days early in effort to keep him healthy and avoid fatigue during the second half of the season, there also is a component of recognizing the comfort level between Sasaki and Barnes.
“They’ve spent a lot of time together but it’s not a dedicated battery at all,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I just felt Roki had a good one over there, there’s some familiarity and let’s go with that for a little bit.
“But Austin has been great. He’s a great veteran ballplayer.”
After struggling in his Dodger Stadium debut, Sasaki bounced back with four-plus innings against the Phillies. He allowed just one run and collected a season-high four strikeouts while issuing just two walks, his fewest of the season.
Sasaki appeared plenty comfortable with pitches Barnes called, but his command was improved after making an adjustment with how he was landing.
The right-hander followed that up five innings and one run allowed against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night. The outing was Sasaki’s longest start of his young career.
When he faced them in the Tokyo Series, Sasaki pitched three innings and held the Cubs to just one run despite walking five.
Austin Barnes personal catcher for Roki Sasaki?
Barnes is in his 11th season with the Dodgers, each of which have come in the backup catcher role. Barnes did taking on the starting job during the 2017 postseason behind strong hitting to pair with his defensive prowess.
Playoffs aside, Barnes’ starts throughout his career have often come when Clayton Kershaw was on the mound. While he has now caught half of Sasaki’s four games so far this year, the Dodgers do not have another personal catcher tandem.
“I don’t want to box myself in,” Roberts said. “Will is our starting catcher. You start playing that game, and then you box yourself in. I’m not going to do that.”
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