Austin Barnes has caught each of Roki Sasaki’s last two starts for the Los Angeles Dodgers with positive results.
First, he went four innings, allowing one earned run on three hits, two walks, and four strikeouts against the Philadelphia Phillies. Then, he went a career-high five innings against the Chicago Cubs with one run courtesy of a homer on four hits, two walks, and three strikeouts, and he bumped his ERA down to 3.29.
However, manager Dave Roberts is not ready to commit to the battery long-term:
“They’ve spent a lot of time together,” Roberts said via Dodgers Nation. “It’s not like a dedicated battery at all. But I just felt that Roki had a good one over there (in Philadelphia). There’s some familiarity, and let’s kind of just go with that for a little bit.”
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) reacts after a pitch against the Chicago Cubs.
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The rookie Sasaki could benefit from having a personal catcher, especially one with the veteran savvy and experience of a guy like Barnes. The 35-year-old has spent the entirety of his 11-year MLB career with Los Angeles and can provide a steady presence behind the plate while Sasaki continues his transition to American baseball.
The problem with Barnes, though, is his offensive output. Or, lack thereof.
Through 13 plate appearances, Barnes had not gotten on base and has struck out five times. This is quite literally as bad as it gets offensively, but even his peak is not good enough for consistent playing time.
Barnes is a career .221 batter with a .658 OPS and an 80 OPS+. He never was and never will be an everyday catcher, particularly with an all-star like Will Smith ahead of him on the depth chart, but that does not mean he cannot still help his team.
Sasaki is still acclimating to this league and should get to the point where Roberts can pair him with any of his catching options. Until then, Sasaki may be Barnes’ best shot at playing time.
