LA DODGERS have stunned the baseball world by cutting a legend.
And it’s a cold decision that proves manager Dave Roberts has a clinical mind when it comes to winning.
GettyDodgers manager Dave Roberts has made two big decisions[/caption]Two-time World Series winner Austin Barnes, 35, joined the Dodgers since December 2014 – becoming the regular catcher five years later.
But it hasn’t saved the icon, who had earned around $17million with the MLB giants, from the axe.
And to prove just how much Roberts is focused on the future, Dodgers immediately announced Dalton Rushing as his replacement.
Rushing’s promotion is less of a shock – as he’s long been regarded as an MLB star in waiting.
Some fans have voiced their surprise at Barnes’ departure – but the main feeling amongst the Dodgers‘ support appears to be gratitude for his distinguished service
The team announced his departure with a short statement on social media.
They posted: “Thank you Austin for all the contributions you made in Dodger blue and helping to bring two championships to Los Angeles.”
And Roberts admitted it was tough making such a judgement over a team icon.
He said: “Austin’s been a mainstay for our club, so it’s certainly not easy.
“But I think that the performance from Dalton kind of really sped this up.”
GettyAustin Barnes helped the Dodgers win the World Series in 2020 and 2024[/caption]Roberts is backing Barnes to bounce back with another team.
He revealed the 2020 and 2024 World Series winner took the news of his exit “like a pro”.
Roberts added: “I expect him to hook up with somebody else and impact another ballclub.
“There’s still more baseball in there from him.”
Meanwhile, Rushing is being unleashed on MLB after joining the Dodgers as the 40th pick of the 2022 draft.
He went on to become their their minor league player of the year in 2024, hitting 26 home runs and driving in 85 runs.
That was between spells in Double-A and Triple-A – the second-highest and top level of baseball respectively outside MLB.
The former University of Louisville star, 24, told how he “freaked” when his phone rang at 1am on Wednesday only to discover it was the “best news”.
Rushing explained it was his Triple-A manager – telling him, albeit with unusual timing, to pack his bags for the MLB.
He said: “I was almost asleep. You get a call in the middle of the night, you freak out at first.
GettyDodgers have promoted Dalton Rushing after brilliant minor league form[/caption]” It ended up being some of the best news I’ve ever heard. I called every family member.
“My mother just so happened to be the one that didn’t answer after 55 calls. She’s a deep sleeper.”
The Dodgers were alerted by Rushing hitting .308 with five home runs and 17 RBI at Oklahoma City.
He caught all-time great Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw during the 37-year-old’s recent rehab assignment.
Rushing said of moving up to the big leagues: “Any person is gonna be excited in this situation.
“I think the biggest thing is just get around these guys and be as comfortable as possible.
“Understand that it’s still the same game, and I get to play with some of the best players in the world.”
For now, though, many fans are hailing the past – via the legacy of Barnes – rather than the potential of Rushing.
One reckoned he “will always hold a special place in Dodgers history” and added: “Not many players can say they spent 11 YEARS with the team. “Thank you for everything, 2-time champion!”
Another responded: “100%. Loved him and it’s time.”
A third said: “he could return as a coach” while a fourth wrote: “Austin Barnes truly embodies what it means to be a Dodger.”
And this simple message spoke for many: “End of an era.”
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