Barnes' strong spring suggests bounceback

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Austin Barnes hit .111 last spring, and the battle continued pretty much through the World Series.

So even though it’s only Spring Training, the two-run homer he hit in Saturday’s 2-0 win over the White Sox and his .323 Cactus League average have the Dodgers cautiously optimistic that Barnes will rebound in 2019 and emerge as the primary catcher with Yasmani Grandal having moved on to Milwaukee.

“It’s great for his confidence,” said manager Dave Roberts. “All spring, he’s been under control. He’s got clarity with where he’s at, and he’s going to play a big part this year.”

Roberts revealed that Barnes, who hit .205 during the season and .069 in the postseason in 2018, also battled a sore arm all year that hampered his throwing.

“As elite as he is back there with his glove, just to continue to work on his accuracy and strength will make him more well-rounded,” said Roberts.

Barnes’ mechanics went sideways last year, and he spent the winter working with new hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc.

“You see your average on the scoreboard and the game sped up, and I think he was pressing,” Roberts said. “Right now, he’s a lot more under control and seeing the baseball well. He’s a guy, we know through his career, stays in the strike zone.”

If Barnes produces, he figures to do more of the catching than 36-year-old Russell Martin.

Bullpen is busy

The back end of the Dodgers’ bullpen got a workout in Saturday’s game. Kenley Jansen, Pedro Baez, Joe Kelly and Scott Alexander pitched one scoreless inning each. They combined for eight strikeouts, three by Kelly.

Kelly is showing no lasting effects from the stiff back that developed while preparing a team dinner. He said he has had back issues throughout his career.

“I always bounce back quick,” he said.

Kelly’s mechanics are simple, but he said he gets out of whack with his timing. He said he also must be mindful of a tendency to tip his pitches, which was believed to have been a problem last year with Boston.

Seager plays Minor League game

Corey Seager didn’t get a ground ball in his five innings at shortstop in a Minor League game on Saturday, but he said it wasn’t a waste of time.

“Still got three ABs, moved around, got some jumps,” said Seager. “It would be nice to get some balls, but it’s still good just being on your feet, moving around, getting up and down.”

Seager said he will get three at-bats in another Minor League game on Sunday with no defense, play seven innings of defense on Monday and expects to play in his first Major League game of the spring later in the week.

Seager is rehabbing from elbow and hip surgery but is expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Notable
• Max Muncy (right forearm stiffness) took swings on Saturday. He has missed three games.

• Roberts said nothing has changed at second base since the offseason, meaning it still shapes up as a shared load for Enrique Hernandez, who has been hot at the plate all spring, and Chris Taylor, who has been cold.

“We know that Max can play in a certain situation and things obviously change, but as I see it right now, I see Kike and C.T. over there this year,” said Roberts. “Those are two very good options.”

Up next

Rich Hill, in line to be the Opening Day starter, gets the ball at 1:05 p.m. PT on Sunday to face the Brewers and Zach Davies at Camelback Ranch.