Red Sox COVID-19 outbreak continues as Barnes lands on IL
The Boston Red Sox placed right-hander Matt Barnes on the COVID-19-related injured list, the team announced Monday.
It's the second time Barnes has been on the COVID-19-related IL this month.
Barnes not merely on the list, but he has also tested positive. That means he is out a minimum of 10 days. https://t.co/vtjxMm4umn
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) August 30, 2021
Barnes is the fourth Boston player to hit the COVID-19-related IL since Friday, joining teammates Enrique Hernandez, Christian Arroyo, and Martin Perez. A Red Sox staff member also recently tested positive, and first base coach Tom Goodwin is not with the team on Monday after being identified as a close contact, according to MLB.com's Ian Browne.
The 31-year-old Barnes has spent the majority of the 2021 campaign as Boston's closer, but he hasn't saved a game since Aug. 4. Adam Ottavino has recently closed games for Boston.
Barnes, an All-Star for the first time this season, owns a 6-5 record with a 3.81 ERA, 3.00 FIP, and 78 strikeouts over 49 2/3 innings.
The Red Sox recalled right-hander Phillips Valdez and selected right-hander Raynel Espinal from Triple-A to fill Barnes' and Perez's roster spots.
Following Monday's loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, the Red Sox announced left-hander Josh Taylor will quarantine after being identified as a close contact, and quality control coach Ramon Vazquez tested positive for COVID-19, according to Browne.