Austin

Barnes

Smith almost always gets Sunday off, and this won’t be an exception. The 29-year-old slugger will take a break with Austin Barnes behind the plate for the series finale.

Ohtani was removed from Saturday’s game with tightness in his back, and he’ll miss at least one full game while recovering. Will Smith will be the designated hitter while Ohtani rests and Austin Barnes behind the plate. For now, the two-time MVP should be considered day-to-day.

Smith has been sensational to begin the year with a a .367 average and .924 OPS over 98 at-bats, but he’ll get a day of rest for the finale against Toronto. Austin Barnes will handle catching duties.

It’s a routine off day for Smith following four consecutive starts behind the dish. The 29-year-old fantasy stalwart leads the majors with a blistering .429 (17-for-37) batting average with eight RBI through nine games. He probably would’ve gotten a turn at designated hitter in this contest if Shohei Ohtani wasn’t occupying the spot. It’ll be Austin Barnes handling the catching duties.

It’s just a day of rest for Smith. Austin Barnes is catching and hitting ninth against the Cardinals on Sunday.

It’ll be Austin Barnes handling the catching duties for the opening contest of Tuesday’s twin bill at Coors Field. Fantasy managers should expect Smith to catch the nightcap affair with hard-throwing rookie right-hander Bobby Miller on the mound.

Smith gets a breather on Wednesday night after going 2-for-3 with a homer and three RBI during Tuesday’s lopsided win. It’ll be Austin Barnes behind the dish for Los Angeles in his place.

Barnes was feeling alright and was in good spirits after Tuesday’s game, noting “It got me good... I’ve never been hit like that before”. He went through the concussion protocol without issue, but he’ll be reevaluated on Wednesday just to be on the safe side. For now, he should be considered day-to-day.

Barnes remained in the game to finish the inning, but was ultimately replaced by Will Smith behind the dish — giving up the designated hitter in the process. He’ll presumably be put through the concussion protocol. The Dodgers should have an update on his status before Wednesday’s ballgame.

After catching the last two games, the 28-year-old backstop will take Sunday afternoon off. Smith has been outstanding this season, hitting .268/.365/.454 with 16 homers and 65 RBI across 441 plate appearances. Austin Barnes will handle the catching duties while batting ninth in his place.