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Dave Roberts Reveals Why He Wanted Austin Barnes to Hit Over David Peralta in Big Spot

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Dodgers
By Jeffrey Hinkle | Last updated 10/12/23

All year, it seemed as if Austin Barnes just couldn't find his way at the plate. He hit only .180 on the season, and at times, it seemed like he was only on the roster due to his longevity with the team. So what's the logical thing to do in the postseason?

Well, pinch-hit him in one of the most crucial parts of the postseason, of course, right?

Dave Roberts explained his decision to bring in Barnes in the top of the 7th inning with two runners on and two outs after the game:

"I think just for me, it was a situation we needed to get a hit. And I just think with the left-on-left, the ball going away from him, it’s a sinker. David (Peralta) has a tendency to put the ball on the ground," Roberts said.

"Austin is a guy who has been in many postseasons, got huge hits for us. It was a chance to get a lefty -- a righty on the lefty. And he just expanded. It was a ball down below the zone and let him off the hook right there."

via Dodgers Nation / X

So, the logic behind the move was to bring in a guy who hit .180 on the year and hadn't taken an at-bat since September 30 instead of taking your chances in a lefty-lefty matchup.

Interesting.

The team had a 2-out rally going in the 7th inning, and things were looking up for the Dodgers, who had been stifled all game by an outstanding performance by the Diamondbacks' pitching staff.

Yes, while Austin Barnes has been in many postseasons, he wasn't necessarily the hot hand at the moment. Nor had he been all season.

Overall, we knew that the Dodgers rotation was going to be a giant question mark coming into the postseason, but I think we underestimated the lack of right-handed bats coming off the bench.

With Kiké Hernandez in the starting lineup and Chris Taylor pinch-hitting earlier in the game, Barnes was seemingly the only answer for a right-handed bat coming off the bench.

Obviously hindsight is 20/20, but what do you think about the move?

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Dodgers and was syndicated with permission.

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