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.
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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has made two big decisionsCredit: Getty
Two-time World Series winner Austin Barnes, 35, joined the Dodgers in December 2014, becoming their regular catcher five years later.
But it hasn’t saved the icon, who 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 a replacement, in the form of Dalton Rushing.
Rushing’s promotion is no shock as he’s long been regarded as an MLB star in waiting.
But some Dodgers fans voiced their surprise at Barnes’ departure, although the main feeling appeared to be simple gratitude for his lengthy and 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.”
Roberts admitted it was tough making such a judgement over an 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.”
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Austin Barnes won the 2020 and 2024 World Series with the DodgersCredit: GettyMeet the LA Dodgers new 17-year-old 6ft 7inch wonderkid Joseph Deng, the first MLB star from South Sudan
Roberts is now 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 finally being unleashed on MLB after joining the Dodgers as the 40th pick of the 2022 draft.
He progressed 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 ace, 24, told how he “freaked” when his phone rang at 1am on Wednesday – only to discover it was the “best news”.
It was his Triple-A manager – telling him, albeit with unusual timing, to pack his bags for the MLB.
Rushing said: “I was almost asleep. You get a call in the middle of the night, you freak out at first.
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Dodgers have promoted Dalton Rushing after brilliant minor league formCredit: Getty
” 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.”
In recent months the Dodgers had been alerted by Rushing hitting .308, with five home runs and 17 RBI at Oklahoma City.
He also caught all-time great Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw while the 37-year-old was on a 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 short message spoke for many: “End of an era.”