Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Discusses Grind That 2023 Season Has Been for Austin Barnes

The hard work paid off for the struggling catcher!

Struggling in 2023, Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes had a moment to smile about after a breakout game to push the team's win streak to 11 games earlier this week.

"Austin was fantastic tonight. Just an overall fantastic game by him." Dave Roberts praises AB and the battery tonight against the Brewers. pic.twitter.com/7APa7QQUcP

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 18, 2023

LA manager Dave Roberts spoke on the importance of his veteran catcher on the roster and how hard he's working despite his struggles this season. 

“It’s been a tough year for him. They’re always difficult in different ways, but for him personally this has been his toughest season. But he’s not a quitter. He works as hard as he’s ever worked. He prepares as much as he’s ever prepared. And for the game to honor him tonight was really good. I think he’ll sleep well and be ready to go on Sunday.”

via Sportsnet LA

Barnes homered the only run of the game in the bottom of the eighth inning in a multi-hit game, as well as calling nine shutout innings for a revitalized Dodgers pitching staff in the month of August. 

Sharing his thoughts about the tough season he's had, Barnes refused to make any excuses and instead spoke about the joy with his teammates to help the team win another game. 

“It’s obviously been a while,” a smiling Barnes said. “It’s been a struggle this year … But it was nice to put that run across, and give our team a shot to win.”“It’s been a grind this year,” Barnes said. “A lot of … tough nights.”

via Jack Harris, LA Times

One of the few remaining players from the Dodgers' original 2017 team that appeared in the World Series under Dave Roberts, Barnes has been with the team since 2015 and caught the last out of the team's 2020 World Series title. 

On a team with superstar talents such as Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, it was Barnes who played the hero for a Dodger team unlike any other we've seen before here in 2023.