Los Angeles Dodgers: Five players to watch in the NLDS

C/2B Austin Barnes

I am a firm believer in Austin Barnes. In fact, I have vouched for the young catcher and second baseman to start every single game in the postseason. While that is unlikely to happen, Barnes will see some significant playing time, as well as at-bats in key situations. Barnes has proven that he can deliver in big moments, and in fact, has been one of the most consistent bats on the Dodgers.

The Dodgers have a problem against right-handed pitching: Logan Forsythe. Forsythe hit at a .190 clip against right-handers this season. His replacement, Chase Utley, hit .242. Barnes, despite being right-handed himself, hit .321 against right-handers.

While his batting average falls to .257 against left-handers, that is still far better than the struggling numbers Yasmani Grandal puts up against lefties. Grandal’s biggest asset is power, and against lefties, he has a .349 slugging percentage.

Barnes has been a consistent staple of the Dodgers’ bench the entire season. Barnes’ owned a .289 batting average while driving in 38 RBIs with eight home runs. In the last week of the season, Barnes hit .364 with a .962 OPS.

While Barnes likely won’t see a surplus of time on the playing field, the moments he is a part of are going to be huge.