The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Monday that they have signed catcher Austin Wynns to a major league contract and placed catcher Will Smith on the 7-day concussion injured list.
Wynns, 30, was claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles on April 14 and assigned to the Dodgers’ alternate training site. He has appeared in 75 games at the major league level over the past three seasons, hitting .233/.287/.353 with five home runs and 18 RBIs.
Source: ocregister
He is known for his solid defense behind the plate and his ability to handle a pitching staff.
Smith, 26, suffered a concussion on Sunday when he was hit by a foul tip off the bat of San Diego Padres outfielder Tommy Pham in the fourth inning. He stayed in the game initially but was removed in the sixth inning after experiencing dizziness.
Smith is off to a hot start this season, batting .289/.400/.578 with two home runs and seven RBIs in 12 games.
The Dodgers have depth at the catcher position, with veteran Austin Barnes as the primary backup and top prospect Keibert Ruiz at the alternate site.
Barnes will likely see most of the playing time while Smith is out, but Wynns could also get some opportunities to showcase his skills.
The Dodgers are currently in first place in the National League West with a 13-3 record, the best in baseball. They will begin a four-game series against the Seattle Mariners on Monday night at T-Mobile Park.
Final Thoughts: Dodgers add catcher Austin Wynns, place Will Smith on concussion injured list
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a move to bolster their catching depth by signing Austin Wynns to a major league contract. With Will Smith being placed on the 7-day concussion injured list after being hit by a foul tip, the addition of Wynns provides the Dodgers with another experienced catcher who can step in and contribute.
Wynns has spent the past three seasons in the majors with the Baltimore Orioles, where he has developed a reputation as a reliable defensive catcher with the ability to handle a pitching staff.
While his offensive numbers may not jump off the page, his presence behind the plate and ability to work with pitchers make him a valuable addition to any team.
In Smith’s absence, the Dodgers will likely turn to veteran Austin Barnes as the primary catcher, but Wynns could also see some playing time. Barnes has been a solid backup for the Dodgers in recent years, but he has struggled at the plate this season, hitting just .111 in limited action.
The Dodgers also have top prospect Keibert Ruiz at their alternate site, but it remains to be seen if they will call him up to the majors. Ruiz is considered one of the top catching prospects in baseball, and the Dodgers may be hesitant to rush him to the majors before he is ready.
Overall, the addition of Wynns gives the Dodgers some much-needed depth at the catcher position, and his defensive skills should make him a valuable asset to the team.
With the Dodgers off to a hot start this season and looking to defend their World Series title, every move they make will be scrutinized, but adding Wynns seems like a smart and sensible move.
