Austin Barnes comfortable in his role, starts today at second base in series finale

The Dodgers will try to end their stay in Milwaukee with a series sweep. The last time they swept a three-game series against the Brewers at Miller Park was back on August 24 through August 26, 2010.

Manager Dave Roberts is starting Austin Barnes at second base today, this is his first start there in 2017. Barnes had three prior starts at second base in the prior two seasons.

Barnes had been up and down for the prior two seasons, he had 74 total plate appearances from 2015 and 2016 and his stat line was .180/.315/.230 with no home runs.

Going in today’s game, he’s about to surpass his prior two seasons number of plate appearances and his improvement has been noticeable. In 71 plate appearances, he’s hitting .283/.394/.533 with two home runs and seven doubles.

Last week, I asked manager Dave Roberts what he saw in Barnes game this season.

"I think Austin, he’s seeing the game this year a little bit slower," Roberts said, "last year was the first time I had the chance to put eyes on him and when he was here, albeit up and down, and it was quick, and that makes sense because you really don’t have that certainty that you are going to be here."

"But this year, through the whole spring, knowing his role, and he is going to be with us," Roberts said, "I think that he’s exhaled, he’s confident, comfortable, he’s worked a ton on his throwing with Bob Geren, the hitting coaches, his approach, he’s getting on base, love him in the box, he’s great on the team."

"So to have a guy like that, who can also play second base, adds some versatility, he’s a winning player, doing great."

Barnes agreed with manager’s assessment.

"It’s nice to be here," Barnes said, "last couple of years of going up and down, it’s nice to have that." "I’m here, I’m working with the pitchers, it’s getting better every day."