What Does Dalton Rushing, Austin Barnes News Mean for Chris Taylor, Michael Conforto and Other Struggling Dodgers?
The Los Angeles Dodgers shocked the baseball world on Wednesday, as it was reported that prized catching prospect Dalton Rushing was being called up to the major leagues.
Read more: Dodgers Calling Up Top Prospect Dalton Rushing in Shocking Move
That was far from the biggest surprise, though.
To make room on the active and 40-man rosters, the team will be designating veteran catcher Austin Barnes for assignment.
Read more: Dodgers Designating Austin Barnes for Assignment to Call Up Dalton Rushing in Shocking Move
Barnes, the longest-tenured Dodgers position player, had spent his entire 11-year MLB career with Los Angeles. He won two World Series with the team, and even caught the final out in 2020. Now, he’s heading to waivers, and his Dodgers tenure appears to be over.
With this move, the Dodgers are making one thing clear: The only thing that matters to this ball club is winning.
With that being said, this move puts some immense pressure on a handful of other players on the Dodgers active roster.
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First and foremost, the pressure is now on left-handed hitting outfielder Michael Conforto, who has struggled mightily to start the season, hitting just .172 with an OPS of .590. While Rushing’s primary position is catcher, the Dodgers have also used him in left field during his time in the minor leagues. Rushing is also a left-handed hitter who can play in the outfield, specifically left field.
Another player seemingly under pressure now is Chris Taylor. The new longest-tenured Dodgers position player has appeared in just 26 games this season, making 32 total plate appearances. He’s hitting .219 with an OPS of .500.
Taylor is under contract through the end of this year. If the team feels he, like Barnes, isn’t helping them win games, they may not hesitate to pull the plug on the 12-year veteran.
Finally, this move puts more pressure on James Outman, another left-handed hitting outfielder who’s struggling to prove he belongs at the MLB level. While Rushing won’t play center field, he can quickly take outfield at-bats away from Outman with Andy Pages or Tommy Edman (when he returns) playing center field.
Photo Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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Barnes has been a great team player in the development of pitchers, pitch calling, and mentor for Will Smith. However, underperformance on the field and holding back an up’n- coming deserving youngster in reaching the big leagues is inevitable. Barnes being a dinosaur with the Dodgers and DFA’d sends a clear message to all other under performers that nobody is indispensable. It’s about time management start making some hard but necessary moves. Best of luck to both Barnes and Rushing.
Maybe we will see “Barnsey” again as a Dodger coach in the minor league complex. The guy was excellent at framing pitches and he may still have something to give. Sitting a lot is a learning opportunity. A lot of MLB managers got the experience they needed by being backups who watched a lot of ball and saw a lot skills and strategy displayed. I think Barnes fits that mold and would be a great addition to the Dodger minor league teaching staff after his playing days are done.
Now, say Conforto, Muncy, Outman, Taylor and Kershaw.
Kershaw? Off with your head.
Kersh should be thinking about what to do next season. He’s had one of the best runs of all time but it’s time to watch the game on his couch.
Yes! Although I do hope that Kershaw can make ago of it. But with an 87-88 mph fastball he might be better as a pitcher for the home run derby. If he can locate his other pitches, he might be able to get batters out.
It is time to bring up Ryan Ward. He is batting .320 with 9 home runs. He has been with the AAA Oklahoma Comets for 3 years now. He has earned a call up. Dodgers call him up or trade him. Ryan Ward deserves a chance at MLB. Send Conforto, Outman and Taylor to the minors or release them and send up Ryan Ward. Out of those 3 Ward has the most value. Send him to a team that needs a good player. Don’t let him rot in the minors.
Now that Barnes is gone, sadly but necessary, I wonder if this could be an opportunity to start “breaking in” Will Smith at third base. He is 30 years old and has been catching all his professional life. He still has some years ahead to be an exceptional receiver. However, catching takes a toll on the body. Now with Dalton Rushing on the roster, it possibly gives the Dodgers a chance to get a third baseman. Offensively he would be a vast improvement and defensively he probably would be as good as Muncy. It has happened before with other teams. Cardinals with Joe Torre and Reds with Johnny Bench come to mind as well as lesser known players. Just a thought.
Good to see Barnes is getting a little appreciation rather than being unceremoniously dumped. I’m hoping he stays in the organization.
So long Barnes. Sad, but it was time. Good luck in your future endeavors. Taylor should be next.
We knew it would happen someday and sooner than later, but still very sad to see Barnsey go. It would have been nice to see him announce his retirement on his own terms. I do hope he gets called back as a coach given his great experience with the team and the game. He’s such a positive influence, a true “pro”, and one of those unique personas that define the game. I think we all believe his insights would be helpful not only to the catching position but in general. Time to get my “Barnes 15” shirt. All the best, Austin. You’ll always be a Dodger and, management, bring him back into the flock soon.
I hate to say keep A.Barnes, but I think he would be better to keep than M Muncy. M.M has not proven his worth hitting or covering 3 base this year. AB at least is a bit better at hitting the little white ball out of the infield. Not just KKKKKK as seen by MM.