Barnes' fastball reached 92-93 mph in Saturday's spring training outing against the Pirates, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes averaged 95.8 mph on his four-seamer in 2021 and touched 96 and 97 at times. He was an All-Star closer over the first half of the season. This spring, however, the velocity has been inconsistent and down. The right-hander allowed one run on two hits while striking out one Saturday in his fourth Grapefruit League outing. He's scheduled to make two more appearances, and Boston manager Alex Cora hopes to see an uptick in velocity before Thursday's Opening Day. Cora has yet to name a closer and said that reliever will be revealed the first time the Red Sox are in a save situation during the regular season. Hansel Robles and Garrett Whitlock are perceived to be potential closers if Barnes isn't finishing games.