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Boston Red Sox: Matt Barnes’ struggles explained

By David Hill

Aug 10, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Matt Barnes (32) on the mound against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Matt Barnes (32) on the mound against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Matt Barnes had been a key part of the Boston Red Sox bullpen over the first few months of the season. He had emerged as their new closer, signing a two year extension and making his first All Star Game. The Red Sox even eschewed a major bullpen upgrade at the trade deadline, confident that Barnes would be able to handle the ninth inning with aplomb moving forward.

However, the last two months of the season were a disaster. He missed time due to COVID, and even before he was sidelined, Barnes was not exactly the same pitcher he had been. As it turns out, there was an explanation, as he had also cut off the tip of his thumb while chopping peppers in late September.

Boston Red Sox closer Matt Barnes had rough two months

Barnes has hardly looked like an All Star closer over the past two months. He had posted a 10.13 ERA and a 2.438 WHiP over his 10.2 innings beginning on August 7, blowing two saves while posting a 1-3 record. His struggles have led to a closer by committee approach, hardly the situation that the Red Sox wanted to find themselves in come the ALCS.

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But that is not likely to change. Barnes is off the roster for the ALCS, and it is fair to wonder if he deserves a spot should the Red Sox advance. His struggles over the final two months have been to the point where it is impossible to trust him in any type of a role in the postseason.

This is really not how it was supposed to end up for Barnes. He had finally received his moment in the spotlight, getting his chance to prove that he could handle the ninth inning. Now, with the Red Sox in the playoffs, and after getting that first All Star berth, this should be the time where Barnes would shine.

Instead, everything that could have worked against him did. He began to struggle as the season wore on, something that is not surprising given the drastic increase in workload from 2020 to 2021. Then COVID and an accident in the kitchen conspired to hold him even further back.

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Matt Barnes should be a key part of the Boston Red Sox postseason pitching staff. Instead, he just cannot be trusted at all.

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