Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes has a new fracture in his big left toe, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register is reporting. Barnes said the X-rays revealed that the fracture is in a different spot than the one from last month. Barnes was removed from last night’s game against the Atlanta Braves in the top of the fifth inning when Will Smith pinch-hit for him. The Dodgers announced Barnes will go on the injured list.
#Dodgers Austin Barnes said he had X-rays on his left big toe. They showed a new fracture in a different spot from last months fracture
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) September 16, 2024
This is the latest episode in an injury-plagued season for the Boys in Blue. The number of healthy players who have managed to stay healthy all season is rather short.
Austin Barnes Heads Back to Injured List with Fractured Toe
Déjà Vu
The backup catcher took a foul ball off his left toe similar to the one against the St. Louis Cardinals a month ago. Barnes said it was difficult to walk after a half-inning had passed. Furthermore, manager Dave Roberts said that it is rare for the veteran backstop to take himself out of a game.
This is the second time in a month that the signal caller will visit the injured list. This is rough news for someone as durable as Barnes, who is instrumental in handling a pitching staff that has suffered more than its fair share of injuries this year.
Offensive Outburst
Not only is the backup catcher known for his veteran leadership and a clubhouse favorite, but he has also had a good year with the bat. He has a batting average of .261, which is 40 points higher than his career average. This has been an unexpected boon for the Dodgers since Will Smith has struggled in the second half this season.
Barnes’ placement on the 15-day IL means he is done for the regular season. However, the Dodgers hope that he will be available for the postseason, according to Roberts. Catcher Hunter Feduccia has been called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City in the meantime.
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