Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Dodgers News: Austin Barnes May Replace Yasmani Grandal As Starting Catcher In Playoffs
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Austin Barnes May Replace Yasmani Grandal As Starting Catcher In Playoffs

Matthew Moreno
September 14, 2017
3 Min Read
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

When the Los Angeles Dodgers traded Carlos Ruiz to the Seattle Mariners during the offseason it paved the way for Austin Barnes to assume backup catching duties to Yasmani Grandal on a full-time basis. Barnes had otherwise served as a third catcher behind A.J. Ellis and Ruiz.

He’s appeared in 88 games and performed well, perhaps buoyed by the confidence that comes with knowing an option back to Triple-A Oklahoma City is not around the corner. While Barnes has remained a steady contributor in spot starts and as a pinch-hitter, Grandal has hit a skid.

It’s similar to the down stretch he endured over the final month of the 2016 regular season. Last September, he batted .229/.289/.514 with two doubles, six home runs, 16 RBI, five walks and 16 strikeouts in 22 games (18 starts).

Grandal is 1-for-30 with one home run, two RBI, six walks and 16 strikeouts through 10 games (nine starts) this month.

That’s lent to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts considering going with Barnes as the primary catcher in the playoffs, according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:

“If you’re looking to win 11 games in October, there needs to be consideration of who gives you the best chance to win that particular game,” manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday. “Austin deserves that consideration. He’s earned it.”

The versatile backstop is hitting .294/.413/.471 with 11 doubles, two triples, six home runs and 32 RBI in 88 games (46 starts). His previous career high for games played was 21, set last season.

Barnes is batting .356/.472/.483 against right-handed pitching this season, and .240/.361/.460 off southpaws. Grandal’s hit .249/.301/.471 off righties, and .231/.318/.359 against left-handers.

Roberts previously said he’s equally as confident in Barnes and Grandal regardless of the handedness of a pitcher. Beyond considerations with the bat, Grandal leads the Majors with 15 passed balls.

Barnes in somewhat of a surprise was included on the Dodgers postseason roster last year as a pinch-runner and to provide more flexibility. He’ll again be with the Dodgers in October, this time filling a larger role than was initially anticipated.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Austin BarnesLos Angeles DodgersYasmani Grandal
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Executive Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Yency Almonte, Dave Roberts, pitching change
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dave Roberts: Dodgers Bullpen Roles Will Be Decided By Results

August 6, 2023
August 6, 2023
Dustin May, 2025 Spring Training
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Dustin May Relieved To Be Pain-Free In Right Elbow

March 16, 2025
March 16, 2025
FOCO, Dodgers All-Star Game bobblehead
DodgerBlueFeatured

FOCO Selling Dodgers All-Star Game Bobblehead

July 14, 2022
July 14, 2022
Kenley-jansen-5
Dodgers NewsSpring Training

2017 World Baseball Classic: Dodgers’ Kenley Jansen Joining Netherlands For Championship Round At Dodger Stadium

March 15, 2017
March 15, 2017

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어