The Los Angeles Dodgers made a surprising move by designating longtime catcher Austin Barnes for assignment, a decision explained by president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman due to the ongoing development of prospect Dalton Rushing. While Barnes had been a pivotal part of the team for eleven seasons, the organization decided to give Rushing a chance to step up amid a tight race for the playoffs. Friedman emphasized the strategic nature of the decision, indicating the move aligns with their commitment to winning and developing talent at the Major League level.
Austin has been a huge part of this organization for a long time, he's been in the middle of a lot of really big moments for us.
Rush has obviously been on our radar for a long time in terms of when and how to introduce him to the major league team.
We felt like now is the right time to give him that opportunity, and for us to learn some things about him that you can't know until they're at the major-league level.
The harsh reality of baseball is the sport is also a business, and the departure of Barnes signifies difficult choices in pursuit of winning.
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