It’s no secret Austin Barnes has been struggling at the plate for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season, but offensive production as a backup catcher isn’t his top priority, either.
However, Barnes carried the offense to a 1-0 victory on Thursday to complete a sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers. Barnes went 2-for-3 with his first home run of the year, which came in the eighth inning to break a scoreless tie.
“It’s obviously been a while and it’s been a struggle this year,” Barnes acknowledged. “Good to help the team win. Lance (Lynn) threw the ball really well and it was tough to get runs across on Corbin Burnes. He’s obviously a really good pitcher. It was night to put that run across and give the team a shot to win.”
Although Barnes is still hitting just .136 this year with a .392 on-base plus slugging percentage, he’s started to find some offensive groove over his last seven games, batting .316/.381/.474. Barnes had been working with Aaron Bates and Dodgers hitting coaches to get back on track and the results are starting to follow.
“Yeah, I’ve felt better,” Barnes said. “Just trying to stay the course, do the work, try to feel better. Sporadic playing time, but still have to go out there and do your job. It feels good to help the team win. Scratched a run across and the pitchers did the rest.”
While hitting a baseball is hard enough as it is, it becomes even more challenging with limited playing time when you can’t find a consistent rhythm, but Barnes doesn’t view that as an excuse. “I’ve been doing that,” he said.
“That’s kind of been my job here. I’ve never really been the full-time guy, so I know how to do that. It’s frustrating when you’re not helping the team win. When you get in there, you want to win the game. That’s been my main focus all along.”
Barnes has still provided solid defense behind the plate and provided value helping the pitchers and Will Smith game plan for opponents, but the 33-year-old did admit that has been more of a challenge with the offensive struggles this season.
“I’ve always taken pride in not taking my offense over to defense,” Barnes said. “It’s been a grind this year. It’s been tough. A lot of [expletive] tough nights. But feeling better lately and just going to keep going.”
Dodgers dugout celebrated Austin Barnes after homer
Following the home run, players in the dugout were thrilled to see the unofficial team captain blast his first long ball of the season. A celebration also ensued in the Dodgers clubhouse after the win.
“Those are my guys,” Barnes said. “Obviously they’re all happy for me. It’s hard when you don’t have a pump up there, no homers. They were excited, I was excited and I appreciate all of them.”
The home run gave Barnes a chance to join in on doing the Freddie Freeman dance, which has become the go-to celebration for the team, although he still has room for improvement there.
“I’m a little tight around the hips, but I’ll wiggle,” Barnes said. “I wanted to wiggle.”
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