The Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday afternoon activated catcher Austin Barnes from the 10-day injured list and optioned catcher Will Smith to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The 29-year-old Barnes appeared in 40 games for the Dodgers before being sidelined with a left groin strain on May 27. In 40 games this season, the backstop is hitting .231 (27-for-117) with four homers and 15 RBI. Barnes appeared in two rehab games with High-A Rancho Cucamonga, going 2-for-5 with an RBI.
Smith, 24, played in six games in his first stint with the Dodgers. He hit .286 (6-for-23) with two homers and three RBI. On May 31, he became the first Dodger player to record his first career homer in walk-off fashion since Dioner Navarro on August 12, 2005.
Speaking with David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports on Thursday, Smith seemed very confident in his skills after making hios MLB debut.
“I’m confident now. I know I can play here. I know it’s where I belong, but it’s what the team decides and I can’t control that.”
By no stretch of the imagination have fans of the Dodgers seen the last of Will Smith.
(Juan Dorado furnished some information provided in this report)
We will see Smith again this year. If Martin’s back flares up again or Barnes doesn’t produce he’s backbone n the show. Future looks bright at catcher for us!
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Didnt think the guy could hit but what do I know. He seems to have made progress with his bat this year. Guess we’ll find out by season end.
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“By no stretch of the imagination have fans of the Dodgers seen the last of Will Smith.”
Me and Jefe have already stretched that boundary of imagination Dennis.
Sell high!
That said… you’re right. He will be back in the Big Leagues.
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Atlanta got Kuechel, a really good move for them. Meanwhile AF told Bill Plunkett he doesn’t think the bullpen is that bad. He’s officially lost touch with reality.
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Well, what’s “that bad”? They are currently ranked 18th in ERA but 9th in BAA. 17th in Save% and 12th in OPS. 10th in Blown Saves but 5th in WHIP. I guess an argument could be made they are middle of the pack, which by definition is not “that bad”. I’m thinking he believes there is reason to believe they will improve. Hope so. A middle of the pack bullpen is not likely to bring home a championship, and that is the goal this year.
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Time for AF to pull the trigger on a second closer to pitch the eighth inning. This is our best team and best shot at a title. As Epstein said when he signed Chapman in 16 when the Cubs won. “If not now, then when.”
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You’ve got that right rich, if not now when.
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