Barnes was determined to have a non-infectious positive test for COVID-19 on Monday and is now back in camp, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes looked like he might have to miss the start of the regular season following his positive test Saturday, but the result was evidently a false positive. Missing the start of camp may have left Adam Ottavino as the team's closer to start the year by default, but Barnes is now back in the battle. The winner of the job remains undetermined.

Barnes has tested positive for COVID-19, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes tossed 5.1 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts this spring and most recently pitched Thursday, but he'll now be away from the team following his positive test result. He isn't experiencing any symptoms, but manager Alex Cora said that Barnes will be away from the team for approximately 10 days. Adam Ottavino is a strong candidate to receive save chances over the first few games of the regular season while Barnes is sidelined.

Barnes struck out two over a perfect ninth inning in Sunday's spring game against Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes authored his fourth scoreless outing of the spring and has struck out eight over 4.1 innings. Those numbers appear to be closer worthy, but manager Alex Cora still hasn't named one. Barnes and Adam Ottavino, who has allowed one unearned run in 4.1 innings, are in the mix. Each has pitched the ninth inning of a game, and while the ninth inning of spring contests often are not against a opponent's best hitters, it does give a pitcher a chance to prepare for closing.

Barnes pitched a perfect inning, striking out two, in Sunday's spring game against the Braves.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes made his Grapefruit League debut Sunday, setting down the Braves in order in the fourth inning, including an inning-ending punch-out of Ronald Acuna. "That was impressive," manager Alex Cora told Ian Browne of MLB.com. "That was good. Velocity was up, I think a tick above last season, which was a good sign." He and Adam Ottavino have been mentioned as candidates to close out games, but Cora has not yet named a set closer.

Boston manager Alex Cora was noncommittal on naming a closer, a role Barnes held for the final month of 2020, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes has performed a variety of roles over his seven-year career in Boston. He's thrown mostly in high-leverage spots the last four seasons and is expected to be used in the final third of games. Others in the mix at closer are Adam Ottavino, who has experience pitching the ninth inning, and Hirokazu Sawamura (visa issues), who closed in Japan.

Barnes agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Red Sox on Wednesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 30-year-old righty logged his worst ERA (4.30) since 2015, but he also notched nine saves in 24 appearances. He has proven to be a capable setup man, but he would probably open the year as Boston's closer if they don't add any superior relievers this offseason.

Barnes picked up the save Tuesday against the Orioles after recording the final out of the game.

EDGE Analysis

Dylan Covey handled the ninth and held a five-run lead, but manager Ron Roenicke decided to rely on Barnes after Covey loaded the bases with two outs. Barnes needed just three pitches to close the game out -- he induced a pop out in foul territory from Pedro Severino -- and that qualified as his ninth save of the campaign. Barnes should hold down the closer role in the final games of the 2020 regular season.

Barnes blew his fourth save in Friday's extra-innings loss to the Yankees. He allowed one run on one hit while striking out one over one inning.

EDGE Analysis

Boston's bullpen failed to support starter Martin Perez, who pitched a gem and left with a 4-0 lead. Barnes surrendered a game-tying home run to Gary Sanchez, the fourth home run he's allowed in 21.2 innings (1.7 HR/9).

Barnes picked up the save by striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning Thursday night against the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes punched out the first batter of the ninth and then induced a pair of lineouts to end the ballgame. He's now converted on five of his last six save chances and has the closer's role well in hand. Barnes owns a 4.35 ERA and 1.40 WHIP with a 29:12 K:BB across 20.2 frames in 2020.

Barnes allowed one hit and had one strikeout during a scoreless ninth inning to record the save Tuesday against the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander delivered 13 of his 16 pitches for strikes and was able to preserve the shutout despite giving up a two-out double. Barnes has a 4.58 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 28:12 K:BB across 19.2 innings while converting seven his his 10 save chances.