Dodgers Usher in New Era, Promote Top prospect rushing
LOS ANGELES – May 22, 2024 – In a pivotal move, the Dodgers have designated Austin Barnes for assignment, signaling a shift in the team’s direction. This means the end to his 11-season run and an opportunity for Rushing, the team’s top prospect. The move underscores the Dodgers‘ proactive strategy and their commitment to future success. As the team looks ahead, read on to learn more.
Dodgers Usher in New Era with Roster Moves, promote Top Prospect
Los Angeles-The Dodgers have signaled a shift, ending one chapter while betting on the promise of another. In a strategic move, the team designated veteran catcher Austin Barnes for assignment, marking the end of his 11-season tenure with the club, a period highlighted by two World Series championships.
Taking Barnes’s spot on the active roster is Dalton Rushing, the organization’s top prospect. Rushing is expected to continue his development as a backup catcher, stepping into a role with heightened expectations.
Roberts Reflects on Barnes’ Legacy, Looks to Rushing’s Potential
Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, emphasizing Barnes’ lasting impact on the team and community.
This was certainly a tough conversation. Austin is a Dodger for life. He helped us win the championship. Caught the last last pitch in 2020, in the World Series, and he’s done a lot of great things in the community, for the Dodgers, for myself, personally.
Dave Roberts, dodgers Manager
Roberts further explained the rationale behind promoting Rushing, citing his performance and the prospect for growth.
I just think that for us right now, with what Dalton Rushing is doing on the performance side, it’s an opportunity to challenge him, expand his growth, give him an opportunity to log some major league games and essentially give him some runway.
Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
Rushing’s Impressive Minor League Stats
- Rated the No. 1 prospect in the organization by mlb.com and Baseball America.
- Batted.308 with a .938 OPS in 31 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City this season.
- Drafted in the second round in 2022.
- Hit five home runs with 17 RBIs this season.
- Named the 2024 branch Rickey Minor League Player of the Year after hitting 26 homers and driving in 85 runs between Double-A and triple-A.
Rushing expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity and his eagerness to learn from his new teammates.
You look at who I’m surrounded by, and it’s some of the best baseball players to learn from.And me personally, I think I can take in information very well, so I think it’s going to be very beneficial, nonetheless of how much playing time. That’s up to me, to show up, play, help the team win.
Dalton Rushing, Dodgers Prospect
Barnes’ Legacy and Departure
Barnes, 35, batted .233 with three RBIs in 13 games this season. He started at catcher 12 times this season after starting there a career-low 42 times in 2024, not counting the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
A key component of the Dodgers’ 2017 World Series run, when he batted .289 with eight home runs and 38 RBIs in 102 games, Barnes departs with two World Series rings. He will continue to be paid the remainder of the $3.5 million option that was picked up by the Dodgers shortly after the World Series ended.
Reflecting on his career this spring, Barnes remained focused on the present.
You know, I don’t really like to look too far ahead or too far behind. I think there will be a time for that.I’ve been very lucky to be on really good teams, playing in some crucial games. I couldn’t ask for a better thing than to play for the Dodgers.
Austin Barnes, Former Dodgers Catcher
Injury Updates: Sasaki, Sheehan, Edman, Hernandez, and Snell
The Dodgers are also managing several injuries within their pitching staff and lineup:
- Roki Sasaki: Placed on the injured list with a shoulder impingement, similar but less severe than an injury he experienced last season in Japan. He has posted a 4.72 ERA in his first eight major-league starts, with 22 walks and 24 strikeouts in 34â…“ innings.
- Emmet Sheehan: Progressing well in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, throwing live batting practice.
- Tommy Edman & Teoscar Hernandez: Both could return from the injured list by the weekend series against the Angels. Edman is recovering from an ankle injury, while Hernandez is dealing with a groin issue.
- Blake Snell: Began a throwing program, playing catch from 60 feet, as he recovers from a shoulder injury.
Up Next
The Dodgers will face the Athletics on Thursday at 7:10 p.m. PT. Right-hander Osvaldo Bido (2-3,4.75 ERA) is scheduled to start for Oakland.The Dodgers’ starting pitcher is to be announced.
