In a surprising move, the Los Angeles Dodgers designated catcher Austin Barnes for assignment just before Clayton Kershaw's anticipated activation from the injured list. Although Barnes' on-field performance had slipped, he was highly valued in the locker room and was Kershaw's close confidant, with a history of contributing to important games. Kershaw shared his disappointment over the decision, highlighting Barnes's contributions and emotions felt by other players. Barnes is the longest-tenured position player in Dodgers history and shared a considerable number of games with Kershaw over the years.
"I think everybody was surprised. It's sad. Barnesy is one of my best friends on and off the field. You won't find a guy that competes better than Austin Barnes."
"He always found a way, he came up in some big moments for us throughout the years. I think a lot of people forget he was starting a lot of playoff games and winning a lot of games for us with big knocks."
"It's no disrespect to Dalton. I know he deserves it and is going to be a great player. It's just for me personally and for a lot of guys on the team, it was disappointing to see him go."
"Barnes was the longest-tenured Dodgers position player in his 11th season with the team. On Saturday, Kershaw will tie Bill Russell and Zack Wheat for the most seasons in Dodgers franchise history at 18."
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