7 years agoLos Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal is expected to see the majority of playing time behind the dish in 2018 over Austin Barnes, according to manager Dave Roberts. "Yasmani obviously had more opportunities, more at-bats, more playing time [in 2017]— and I see that again," Roberts said. "But Austin has earned the right to get opportunities." Barnes became the starter over Grandal down the stretch last year and into the postseason, but Grandal is expected to face right-handers while Barnes sees starts against lefties in 2018. Grandal has more power and hits righties better as a switch-hitter, but Barnes makes more contact. Both backstops are considered to be solid defenders. The presence of a platoon will cap any upside that either catcher has, but both backstops will be fantasy relevant in a powerful lineup. Grandal is useful for his power but not much else, while Barnes could still be useful with limited playing time in two-catcher formats.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: Los Angeles Times - Andy McCullough