Former Dodgers Catcher Austin Barnes Faces Further Setbacks After Giants Release

Austin Barnes's challenging 2025 season took a further downturn after being released by the San Francisco Giants. Previously, Barnes was part of a surprising roster shake-up in May, which saw the Dodgers part ways with long-standing players. Following Chris Taylor's release on May 18 to accommodate Hyeseong Kim's spot after Tommy Edman's injury return, Barnes was also let go two days later, as the team promoted top prospect Dalton Rushing to serve as the backup catcher. Taylor quickly secured a new contract with the Angels and has since faced injuries, including two stints on the injured list due to a fractured hand, and was batting .189 at the time.