The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Austin Barnes from the 10-day injured list and optioned Hunter Feduccia to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Thursday’s series finale against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Dodgers felt strongly enough that Barnes was on the right path toward returning to the Major League roster with manager Dave Roberts hinting that the 34-year-old will be in the starting lineup on Thursday.
Although he got off to a solid start at the plate, Barnes’ bat had cooled off in recent weeks. But his usefulness to the Dodgers isn’t so much about offense, as his rapport with the pitching staff has made him a club mainstay for the majority of his career.
Barnes returning to the Dodgers’ lineup also provides a big league option to take the pressure off Will Smith, who could use days off amid his prolonged slump at the plate.
Batting has hit just .241/.318/.284 in 116 at-bats, but his at-bat quality is the usual piece that goes unnoticed about his game.
Dodgers option Hunter Feduccia
Feduccia joined the Dodgers when Barnes went on the IL, providing the team with a backup catcher option for the meantime. The 27-year-old was up for the second time this season, collecting his first big league hit in his only start on Aug. 25 against the Tampa Bay Rays.
His left-handed bat could be a useful piece for the team if they try to find a boost in offense to the backstop position, but in the interim, Feduccia will remain in OKC.
Feduccia was stellar in OKC prior to being called up, batting .281/.478/.344, with a 132 wRC+ since the start of July. His power numbers aren’t ideal, but he’s found a way to get on base with an elevated walk rate.
Should the Dodgers choose to call upon another backup catcher option, Feduccia is the likely first option behind Barnes.
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