Injured Dodger Takes Major Step Forward in Rehab Process
The Dodgers placed catcher Austin Barnes on the 15-day injured list with a fractured big toe on his left foot on Aug. 19. Barnes took simulated at-bats against minor-league pitchers on Tuesday. Eric Stephen of TrueBlue LA posted video via Twitter/X of Barnes’ progress:
Barnes was able to catch all nine innings of his last game, Aug. 18, a Dodgers win over the St. Louis Cardinals. The catcher sustained a fractured toe at some point during the game. Considering he was able to continue playing, it is unlikely Barnes suffered a serious injury.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Tuesday at Dodger Stadium that Barnes will be activated from the IL Thursday — the series finale against the Baltimore Orioles. That’s the first day Barnes is eligible to return.
Barnes is the primary backup catcher behind two–time National League All-Star Will Smith. He has recorded 34 starts at the position compared to Smith’s 96. Since his injury, the Dodgers replaced Barnes with catcher Hunter Feduccia.
Feduccia, 27, made his MLB debut on July 31 with the Dodgers. He was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City after one appearance to make room for trade deadline acquisition Kevin Kiermaier. The Dodgers recalled Fedducia to their major league roster for the second time as a corresponding move to Barnes’ IL placement.
In his second stint with the Dodgers, Feduccia has appeared in one game on Sunday. He recorded one hit, the first MLB hit of his career, and one walk in the Dodgers’ 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.
With the anticipated return of Barnes on Thursday, Feduccia’s fate is yet to be determined. Most likely, the Dodgers will option Feduccia to Oklahoma City again. Rosters expand from 26 to 28 next Monday, so there’s a possibility Feduccia will return in short order.
Photo Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
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