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: Dave Roberts Confident Struggles Are ‘Going To Turn’ For Austin Barnes
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Confident Struggles Are ‘Going To Turn’ For Austin Barnes

Daniel Starkand
July 14, 2019
3 Min Read
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes reacts after striking out against the Boston Red Sox
Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

After letting Yasmani Grandal walk in free agency during the past offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ biggest weakness was expected to be the catcher position. While they brought experience, Austin Barnes and Russell Martin were both coming off rough offensive seasons.

Now a little more than halfway through the 2019 campaign, Barnes nor Martin have been able to regain their previous form that earned both of them reputations as starting-caliber catchers.

Barnes, in particular, has been disappointing considering how great he was for the Dodgers in 2017. He has looked more like the 2018 version this season though, particularly in recent weeks after coming off the 10-day injured list.

After going 1-for-4 in Saturday night’s win over the Boston Red Sox, Barnes is just 10-for-64 (.156 batting average) in 23 games since returning. Overall in 63 games this season, he is hitting .204/.300/.348 with five home runs and 19 RBI.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is well-aware of Barnes’ struggles, but he is still confident that he can snap out of his current slump and be productive, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:

“Austin is really working hard,” Roberts said. “The results certainly haven’t been there since he came back from the IL. But I do believe he’s taking better swings. Where I could have said before going on the IL, he was trying way too hard and pressing, I think right now, yeah, he’s frustrated that he’s not getting hits. But I still think the at-bat quality, for me — it’s getting better. … I know the results aren’t there. I’m not blind. But I believe it’s going to turn for Austin.”

One option for the Dodgers if Barnes continues to struggle is calling up one of their top prospects, Will Smith, who is in the midst of an outstanding season with both Triple-A Oklahoma City and the big league club.

In his short time with the Dodgers this season, Smith proved that he can handle big league pitching as he hit three home runs, with two of them being of the walk-off variety.

Smith does not have the rapport with the Dodgers pitching staff or postseason experience that Barnes does though, so if the latter can just improve marginally on the offensive side of the ball then he has a strong chance of keeping his starting job at least through the end of this season.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Austin BarnesDave RobertsLos Angeles Dodgers
ByDaniel Starkand
Daniel Starkand is a graduate from Chapman University with a degree in journalism and broadcast journalism. He grew up in Burbank, Calif. and played baseball at Burbank High and his first two years at Chapman. Along with serving as a senior writer, editor and social media manager for DodgerBlue.com, Daniel also writes for LakersNation.com. Contact: daniel@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Joe Kelly, Dodgers City Connect
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Joe Kelly Didn’t Have ‘Any Doubt’ Over Wanting To Re-Sign With Dodgers

December 19, 2023
December 19, 2023
Connor Wong, Quakes
Dodgers Minor LeaguesDodgers News

Jeter Downs, Connor Wong Headline High-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 2019 Opening Day Roster

April 3, 2019
April 3, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Cody Bellinger hits a game-tying home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks
Game Central

Recap: Home Runs From Cody Bellinger & Joc Pederson Save Dodgers From Being Swept By Diamondbacks

September 1, 2019
September 1, 2019
Trea Turner, 2022 NLDS
FeaturedRumors

Dodgers Free Agency Rumors: Trea Turner Extended Qualifying Offer For 2023

November 10, 2022
November 10, 2022

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