Pawtucket Red Sox review: Any Boston help for ’16?
By Rick McNair
Jul 8, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Matt Barnes (68) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the eighth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
What is a right-handed power pitcher worth? The Red Sox have one in Matt Barnes and based on performance the snarky answer is “not much.” Barnes is now back into the rotation with a chance to impress in the next few weeks.
Boston had Barnes operating out of the bullpen and it was a disaster for the 25-year-old first round pick (2011) who can “bring it” with a high 90s fastball. Barnes’ 21 games out of the pen saw an ERA of 5.64 and a WHIP that checked in at 1.88.
At Pawtucket the transition has not exactly been seamless, but there have been signs of promise. Less hits than innings pitched and more K’s than innings pitched. The next few weeks will give some insight into just how viable an option Barnes can be for 2016. His best opportunity still might be the bullpen.