The Los Angeles Dodgers made a shocking move to call up their top prospect, Dalton Rushing, according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya. The move was accompanied by the team designating Austin Barnes for assignment.
Barnes was the Dodgers’ longest-tenured position player. He won two World Series with the team and played 13 games with the team. As the backup catcher for Will Smith, he did not see many opportunities to play. He should be able to find a new team rather quickly as a veteran who has a reputation for being a good clubhouse presence.
However, it does not make much sense for the Dodgers to call up Rushing to play a couple of times a week as Smith’s backup. That’s where his versatility comes into play. Rushing has made appearances at first base and left field this season in Triple-A. He is also slashing .308/.424/.514 with five home runs. While he is getting called up to replace Barnes as the backup catcher, he could threaten Michael Conforto’s job in left field.
“Rushing has been behind the plate for half of his action this season in the minors, splitting the rest of his time between first base (nine games), designated hitter (four) and left field (two),” wrote Ardaya. “That versatility, along with Rushing’s left-handed bat, could open up a path to playing time.”
The Dodgers signed Conforto to a $17 million deal last offseason. He is hitting just .172, and his leash could be getting shorter. Rushing has made 32 starts in left field in the last two seasons, likely because the Dodgers gave Smith a 10-year, $140 million extension last year. With Smith locked in as the catcher, the Dodgers need a way to get Rushing and his bat in the lineup.
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Rushing figures to be an offensive upgrade over Barnes, who was hitting just .214. However, considering how he is viewed by the organization, it is unlikely he will strictly be the backup to Smith. Conforto’s job seems safe for now, even if Rushing sees some time in left field.
However, when Teocars Hernández returns, that could change. Andy Pages and Hernández will be everyday players. If Rushing impresses with his bat early, the Dodgers will have to find a way to get him in the lineup. They are not going to play him at first base, where Freddie Freeman is putting up video game numbers. He cannot DH as long as Ohtani is healthy. That leaves left field, where Conforto is already struggling.
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