Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Calls Out Austin Barnes’ Best Skillset on the Roster

Through all the drastic changes that have occurred to the Dodgers roster over the past several seasons, one thing has stayed constant, the relationship between Clayton Kershaw and Austin Barnes.

The two have been battery mates since 2015. Over the past couple of seasons, Kershaw has exclusively thrown to Barnes.

Across all the starts together, both Kershaw and Barnes have created a bond that keeps them inseparable. Being the longest-tenured players on the team they know each other’s personalities so well.

So now that Barnes has been struggling throughout the 2023 season, Kershaw has shared how the catcher has played a big role in the Dodgers clubhouse.

“One of his skills is, he can call people out, but people think it’s funny,” Kershaw explained. “When other people do that, they take offense. But Barnsey has a really good feel for making fun of guys, or giving people a hard time, and them taking it well. It’s a skill. It’s a personality trait.”

Via The LA Times

Thanks to Barnes the Dodgers clubhouse has been described as a group of brothers.

Mookie Betts noted that the vibe in this year’s team is unlike any he has seen in his career other than his 2018 Red Sox team. That team won the World Series.

While he has done a lot to help the locker room culture, Barnes has had a rough time in the field. This season he is hitting .147 in 129 at-bats.

His season does look like it’s turning around as he has a hit in his past three games and had the game-winning home run on Friday night against the Marlins.

In the field, Barnes has caught one of the best pitchers on the Dodgers all year. Kershaw has a 2.48 ERA in 18 starts this season. He also was able to make his 10th All-Star team this season as well.

Hopefully, the bond between Kershaw and Barnes will continue to make the Dodger’s locker room stronger and lead them to a deep postseason run.

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Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports