Dodgers News: Austin Barnes Reinstated as Rookie Heads to Triple-A

The Los Angeles Dodgers have activated catcher Austin Barnes from the 10-day injured list ahead of their series finale against the Baltimore Orioles.

In a corresponding move, the team has optioned rookie Hunter Feduccia back to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Barnes missed eight games after suffering a toe fracture from a foul ball on August 19. His return aligns with the team's expectations, as manager Dave Roberts had anticipated he would be back in action shortly after the minimum 10-day period.

Before his injury, Barnes was hitting .241 with a .318 on-base percentage. Since July, he has shown improvement, batting .296 with a .367 OBP over 18 games.

The veteran catcher, who has spent ten seasons with the Dodgers, has recorded 35 home runs and 157 RBIs in 589 career games.

At 34 years old, Barnes has played in 34 games this season and is set to start behind the plate, catching Bobby Miller and batting ninth against the Orioles.

Hunter Feduccia, 27, returns to Oklahoma City after a brief stint with the Dodgers. During his time in the majors, he recorded his first career hit, going 1-for-2 with a walk in two games.

His first start came against the Tampa Bay Rays, where he played alongside pitcher Gavin Stone, a familiar face from their minor league days.

"It's awesome," Stone said of Feduccia's milestone . "He's one of my best friends in this organization, and to be part of his special day is pretty cool."

In Oklahoma City, Feduccia has played 73 games this season, boasting a .282 batting average with six home runs and 46 RBIs. Over six seasons in the Dodgers' organization, he has a .267 average with 46 home runs and 252 RBIs across 438 minor league games.

He was drafted by the Dodgers in the 12th round of the 2018 MLB Draft after playing at Louisiana State University. His return to Triple-A will strengthen the lineup as the season progresses.