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Matt Barnes’ career has been full of twists and turns to this point.
Barnes will return to the rotation Wednesday at Triple-A Pawtucket, according to Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell. The 25-year-old has pitched exclusively out of the bullpen in 26 career major league appearances, but he’s flip-flopped between a relief role and a starting role in the minors.
Barnes debuted with Boston in 2014, making five relief appearances down the stretch. The right-hander entered spring training in 2015 as a starter and converted into a reliever late in camp. He then switched back into a starter to open the regular season, only to again transition into a reliever a short time later as Boston sought to add a power arm to its bullpen. He initially remained a reliever after being optioned back to Pawtucket, but the PawSox now need a starter with Brian Johnson landing on the disabled list.
Wednesday’s start for the PawSox will mark Barnes’ first start since May 1. The 2011 first-round pick is 1-0 with a 3.77 ERA in 14 appearances (three starts) with Pawtucket this season. He owns a 5.17 ERA over 31 1/3 innings in his career at the big league level.
The Red Sox tried to avoid flip-flopping another prospect, Brandon Workman, last season after using him in both a starting role and a relief role in 2013. Workman struggled as a starter and since has undergone Tommy John surgery that will sideline him for all of this season.
Thumbnail photo via Mark L. Baer/USA TODAY Sports Images
