March 16--REPORTING FROM PHOENIX -- Austin Barnes spent the entirety of Tuesday's 8-6 Dodgers loss to the White Sox at second base, part of the team's ongoing attempt to test his versatility. He is also the third-string catcher, behind Yasmani Grandal and A.J. Ellis, but the Dodgers would like to see how else he can help the club.
Barnes remains unlikely to make the team's opening day roster, but Manager Dave Roberts speaks highly of him.
"We talked about getting him around, moving him around a little bit," Roberts said. "To see him at second base, it's only going to help him, and help us."
Barnes has shown his ability as a hitter this spring. He hit his fourth homer of the Cactus League season in the eighth inning Tuesday and is batting .375.
Barnes played the infield at Arizona State. He posted an .869 on-base plus slugging percentage with triple-A Oklahoma City last season.
Turner returns
Justin Turner is expected to return to the lineup Wednesday, Roberts said. The third baseman made his Cactus League debut Monday coming back from microfracture surgery on his left knee. He doubled and walked in his two plate appearances, and came around to score both times. He played four innings in the field.
No worries
Scott Kazmir struggled with command and saw his fastball velocity register in the upper 80s during a minor league game Monday morning. But Roberts and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Tuesday there was little worry in the organization about Kazmir's performance so far.
"There's really no conversation about it," Roberts said.
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