Barnes is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals.
Analysis: Barnes will head back to the bench after he made his third start of the season in Tuesday's 8-2 loss, going hitless with two strikeouts in four at-bats. The veteran backstop is unlikely to play more than once or twice a week throughout the season if top catcher Will Smith maintains health.
Austin Barnes Brought back for 2025
The Dodgers exercised Barnes' $3.5 million club option for 2025 on Saturday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.
Analysis: Barnes slashed .264/.331/.307 with 11 RBI across 156 plate appearances in 2024 -- good enough for the Dodgers to keep him around as the backup catcher behind Will Smith. While Barnes is likely to break spring training as Los Angeles' reserve backstop, a drop in production from the 34-year-old could eventually result in prospects Dalton Rushing or Hunter Feduccia taking his spot on the roster.
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