Sun May 18 03:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Dodgers Make Bold Move, DFA Veteran Catcher Austin Barnes to Clear Path for Top Prospect
**LOS ANGELES, CA -** In a surprising roster shakeup, the Los Angeles Dodgers have designated veteran catcher Austin Barnes for assignment. The move comes as the team looks to provide major league opportunities for highly touted catching prospect Dalton Rushing.
Barnes, who has spent 11 seasons with the Dodgers, had been struggling at the plate this season, hitting .214 with a .518 OPS in limited at-bats. While a respected member of the clubhouse, the Dodgers’ front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, felt the time was right to make a change.
“Obviously Austin has been a huge part of this organization for a long time,” Friedman said. “His impact has been significant. So it was one of the harder decisions.”
The decision paves the way for Rushing, considered one of the Dodgers’ top prospects, to get significant playing time behind the plate. Rushing made his MLB debut on Thursday against the Athletics, going 2-for-4 with a single and a walk, showcasing the offensive potential that has the organization excited.
“Rush has obviously been on our radar for a long time in terms of when and how to introduce him to the major league team,” Friedman explained, highlighting the team’s desire to see Rushing lead the pitching staff. “We felt like now is the right time to give him that opportunity… and for him to experience the speed of game here.”
The move underscores the challenging roster situation the Dodgers face, with a wealth of talent at the major league level often blocking opportunities for promising prospects. While parting ways with a veteran like Barnes is always difficult, the Dodgers are clearly prioritizing the development of their future stars as they navigate a tight division race.
In other Dodgers news, the team also recently received a positive injury update on their $182 million pitcher. Stay tuned to Dodgers on SI for further developments.
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