Sun May 18 17:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

The Los Angeles Dodgers have called up top catching prospect Dalton Rushing from Triple-A, leading to the DFA of veteran catcher Austin Barnes. While Rushing’s promotion is met with excitement due to his strong performance, the departure of Barnes, a long-time contributor and member of two World Series-winning teams, is a somber moment for many, especially Clayton Kershaw, who expressed disappointment at losing a close friend and valuable teammate. The decision is likely performance-based, as Barnes has struggled this season, while Rushing is demonstrating significant offensive potential.

**News Article:**

**Dodgers Call Up Top Prospect Rushing, Designate Veteran Barnes for Assignment**

**Los Angeles, CA** – The Los Angeles Dodgers announced a significant roster move Wednesday, calling up highly-touted catching prospect Dalton Rushing from Triple-A Oklahoma City. The move, while injecting excitement into the team, comes at the expense of veteran catcher Austin Barnes, who has been designated for assignment.

Rushing, known for his offensive prowess, has been tearing up the Pacific Coast League, hitting .308 with a .424 OBP and .515 SLG, including five home runs. The Dodgers hope he can bring a much-needed offensive spark to the catching position.

Barnes, a Dodger since 2015 and a member of both the 2020 and 2024 World Series championship teams, has struggled this season, batting just .213. He’s been a valuable asset for the Dodgers over the past decade, serving as a reliable backup and a key contributor during the 2020 World Series run.

The move hasn’t been without its emotional toll. Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw expressed his disappointment at the departure of his longtime friend and teammate.

“Everybody was surprised. It’s sad,” Kershaw told the *Los Angeles Times*. “Barney’s one of my best friends on or off the field… He wants to win more than anybody, and he always found a way… It’s sad to see someone like that go who’s been here that long, and I think we all kind of feel it.”

Kershaw emphasized that his sentiment was not a reflection of Rushing’s talent. “It’s no disrespect to Dalton. I know he deserves it, and he’s going to be a great player. It’s just for me, personally, I think for a lot of guys on the team, it was disappointing to see [Barnes] go.”

While Rushing’s arrival signals a potential shift in the team’s catching strategy, the departure of Barnes marks the end of an era for a player who has played a vital role in the Dodgers’ recent success. The Dodgers have not yet commented on the potential for Barnes to return to the organization in another role.

Read More