Matt Barnes
RP WSH
Sun 3/24/24 10:14 AM

The Nationals selected Barnes to the major-league roster Sunday.
EDGE Analysis
The veteran right-hander signed as a non-roster invitee early in camp and pitched well in Grapefruit League action with three strikeouts and no walks over 3.2 scoreless frames. Barnes struggled to a 5.48 ERA in 24 outings for Miami last season and should begin 2024 in a middle-relief role, though his experience as a closer makes him a logical option for higher-leverage spots with a strong start to the campaign.

Matt Barnes
RP WSH
Sat 3/16/24 1:46 PM

Barnes struck out two in a scoreless inning of relief during Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets.
EDGE Analysis
The veteran right-hander entered the game for the sixth inning and fanned Francisco Alvarez and Ji-Man Choi, needing only 12 pitches (seven strikes) to breeze through the frame. Barnes signed a minor-league deal with the Nationals in late February, but he's making a good case for a bullpen spot and has retired all six batters he's faced in his two spring appearances. With Dylan Floro (shoulder) running out of time to get ready for Opening Day, Barnes might be the backup plan.

Matt Barnes
RP WSH
Tue 2/27/24 11:15 AM

Barnes signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Barnes missed much of the 2023 season following hip surgery and had just a 5.48 ERA in 24 appearances before the operation. The veteran reliever is now healthy and looking for a bounce-back year. Barring another injury, Barnes should make the Nats' Opening Day roster.

Matt Barnes
RP WSH
Sun 1/28/24 4:47 PM

Barnes (hip) has recovered from offseason hip surgery and is expected to throw for MLB teams within the next week, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
The veteran right-hander had a 5.48 ERA in 24 outings for Miami before undergoing hip surgery last summer, and he apparently required another procedure after the club declined his 2024 option in November. Barnes recorded 24 saves with a 3.79 ERA for the Red Sox in 2021 but has struggled over the past two seasons.

Matt Barnes
RP WSH
Tue 11/7/23 9:11 AM

The Marlins declined Barnes' (hip) $9 million option for 2024 on Sunday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Barnes will be paid a $2.25 buyout instead as he heads into free agency. The veteran reliever posted a 5.48 ERA over just 24 appearances this season before undergoing season-ending hip surgery in July. It's not clear when he might be ready to pitch in games again.

Matt Barnes
RP WSH
Fri 7/28/23 12:32 AM

Barnes (hip) was transferred to the 60-day injured list on Thursday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
EDGE Analysis
Barnes underwent surgery on his left hip Tuesday and is likely to be out for the rest of the season. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list to create space on the 40-man roster for David Robertson, whom the Marlins acquired from the Mets on Thursday.

Matt Barnes
RP WSH
Fri 7/14/23 6:16 PM

Barnes will undergo surgery on his left hip July 25, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
EDGE Analysis
It will be about three months before Barnes is cleared for running and throwing, which means his season is essentially over. A move to the 60-day IL is inevitable, and he'll finish 2023 with a 5.48 ERA and 1.64 WHIP across 21.1 innings.

Matt Barnes
RP WSH
Tue 6/27/23 4:35 PM

Barnes (hip) struck out a batter and gave up no hits and one walk in a scoreless inning during his rehab appearance Tuesday for the Marlins' rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate.
EDGE Analysis
Barnes pitched a clean inning without much issue in what marked his first appearance at any level since June 1 after he landed on the injured list with a left hip impingement. The right-hander may require another minor-league appearance or two before the Marlins are comfortable adding him back to the MLB bullpen.

Matt Barnes
RP WSH
Thu 6/22/23 4:10 PM

Barnes (hip) threw a bullpen session Thursday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
EDGE Analysis
Thursday marks Barnes' first bullpen session since landing on the injured list June 2 with a left hip impingement. He'll presumably throw another few sessions before beginning a rehab assignment in the coming weeks.

Matt Barnes
RP WSH
Mon 6/19/23 4:51 PM

Barnes (hip) has resumed playing catch, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
EDGE Analysis
Barnes has been out nearly all month with a left hip impingement but is slowly easing back into a throwing program. He figures to need a rehab appearance or two before returning.