Dodgers News: Austin Barnes Begins Rehab Assignment
Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes played in his first rehab game with the Quakes tonight.
Dodgers Catcher Austin Barnes scheduled to play for the Quakes tonight on Healthy RC Recycle Tuesday! All Dodgers appearances are presented by @SanManuelCasino.
??: https://t.co/plo7qBEQSG pic.twitter.com/5OM2o1BDRX
— Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (@RCQuakes) June 4, 2019
On Sunday manager Dave Roberts said the expectation is that Barnes will play 2 or 3 games in Rancho before being activated on Friday.
On Tuesday with the Quakes, Barnes collected an RBI single and scored a run in 3 at-bats before being lifted in the 6th inning.
One of the “best of a bad situation” notes from this outing is that he had the opportunity to catch pitching prospect Josiah Gray, who was acquired along with Jeter Downs from the Reds in the Kyle Farmer deal this past December.
This battery is ready. #RCQuakes pic.twitter.com/LaB05sSHj7
— Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (@RCQuakes) June 5, 2019
Barnes is slashing .231/.245/.393 with 4 HR and 15 RBI in 40 games this season. He’s posting a wRC+ of 98, which is right around league average. Will Smith is expected to optioned to AAA once Austin is ready.
As I stated below, I would hate to send Will the Thrill Smith back down to the minors. I would encourage the team to retain three catchers. The kids calls a good game, and can provide offense. Lets turn our attention to where we need help -obtaining a relief. pitcherGo Blue!!!
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