Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Dave Roberts Makes Admission After Recent Dodgers Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated May 15, 2025 11:05 AM ET

It is usually a joyous occasion when a team calls up its top prospect. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, it has come at a bittersweet price.

No. 1-ranked catcher/outfielder Dalton Rushing, earning his spot on the Big League team, marks the end of the Austin Barnes era, the longtime backup catcher and Dodgers’ emotional leader who was designated for assignment on Wednesday.

Manager Dave Roberts had this to say on Barnes, via Dodger Insider:

“Austin is a guy that’s far beyond the numbers. He’s a glue guy. He held guys accountable. He was tough. He had a very innate ability to get big hits, and he was respected across the board.”

Barnes was never much of an offensive engine, with a career .223 batting average, .660 OPS, and 80 OPS+, but, like Roberts said, his impact was impossible to value on stats alone.

Since joining Los Angeles in 2015, Barnes has consistently provided excellent defense behind the plate. Whether it be his quick pop time, fearlessness as a blocker, or savviness as a framer, Barnes was everything you needed out of a backup catcher.

And while he will always be known for his defense and clubhouse impact, he also hit .320 with an .833 OPS and a World Series home run during the Dodgers’ 2020 title during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given the Dodgers ' development track record, rushing is a fantastic prospect and should excel. But it is still a shocking move.

Los Angeles have Will Smith, a two-time MLB All-Star, as its regular starter. Rushing will get opportunities behind the plate, but it will have a difficult path to designated hitter reps, with Shohei Ohtani occupying that spot.

Rushing has played the outfield and could theoretically spell Michael Conforto in left. However, Roberts has dismissed that notion.

Barnes will forever be a fan favorite and one of those underrated contributors that only Dodgers fans can properly appreciate. Hopefully, Rushing can ease the loss.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: