According to Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers optioned catcher Austin Barnes to Oklahoma City. In the corresponding move, they recalled catcher Will Smith. It’s expected Smith will join the club this weekend in Washington D.C.
It’s been a rough season for Barnes up to this point. His average has fallen below the mendoza line, and is hitting .196 on the year. He has an on-base percentage of .288, and has an OPS of .616. All those numbers are among the worst in baseball for players with at least 200 at-bats.
Since June 21, things have been even more difficult for the 29-year-old. He’s batting .117 with zero home runs and only five runs driven in.
Smith will make his third appearance with the big-league club this season. In nine games, he’s 7-for-26 with three home runs and six runs driven in. He’s been lighting things up in Oklahoma City, as he has 20 home runs to go along with 54 RBI. He has an OPS of .986.