Barnes was ejected from Sunday's 6-2 win in Baltimore after a pitch that sailed up and in to Manny Machado, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports. The pitch was viewed as a retaliation for what Boston perceived as Machado's reckless slide into second base Friday that injured Dustin Pedroia (calf).

EDGE Analysis

The Red Sox had been simmering Friday, and we expected them to take revenge at some point, but it never happened Saturday. It wasn't until Sunday's eighth inning, in what could have been Machado's final at-bat of the series. The ball sailed toward Machado's head, which is not typically how frontier justice is handled in baseball, and the Orioles third baseman was clearly displeased with the location. Making the situation somewhat bizarre was Pedroia who could be seen from Boston's dugout telling Machado that it was the team's decision to throw at him, not Pedroia's. At any rate, Barnes could be facing some disciplinary action.

Barnes allowed three runs on two hits and a walk over 1.1 innings in Tuesday's 8-7 win over the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

Boston's four-run lead entering the ninth turned out to be just enough to survive Barnes' third consecutive shaky outing. While the runs allowed Tuesday were the first blemish to Barnes' earned-run-average, he's avoided further damage by managing to work around six walks over 8.2 innings.

Barnes is expected to fill the closer role Tuesday after Craig Kimbrel pitched for a third straight day Monday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes had been unavailable Monday after he pitched two straight games but should be available for duty Tuesday against the Blue Jays. While his spot as an eighth-inning reliever seemingly puts him in position to close out Tuesday if needed, manager John Farrell is also a believer in matchups. With Kimbrel unavailable, Farrell could use left-handers for important ninth-inning outs. That means Robbie Ross or Robby Scott could also be in position for a save opportunity.

Barnes (2-0) worked around a walk to pitch a scoreless inning and earn the win in Thursday's 4-3 victory over Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

The win was the second in three outings for Barnes, who has been untouchable in the eighth-inning setup role. He's struck out seven and allowed four baserunners over 5.2 innings.

Barnes is expected to continue being used as Boston's primary setup reliever, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although Barnes is in a position to see plenty of high-leverage situations in the near future, his status as the team's go-to setup man may be in jeopardy once Tyler Thornburg (shoulder) comes off the DL. After pitching in three games (3.2 innings) this season, Barnes has struck out five batters, allowed just two hits, and picked up a win.

Barnes allowed one hit and struck out three over two innings to pick up the win in Sunday's 7-5 victory over Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes came on in the seventh inning with a man on and did his job without allowing a run then, after Boston took the lead in the top of the eighth, worked around a double in the bottom of the frame to record a second scoreless inning. Manager John Farrell is dealing with relievers overcome by illness or ones that he's not ready to entrust with high-leverage situations, so Barnes moves to the forefront of setup men in the bullpen.

Barnes (personal) was activated from the bereavement list and will be available for Sunday's game against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes should immediately slide back into a primary setup role after he had missed the Red Sox's last three games. With Craig Kimbrel enjoying sound job security as the team's closer, Barnes' utility remains mostly limited to AL-only formats and mixed leagues where holds are a category.

Barnes has returned to the Red Sox on Sunday after being away on bereavement, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes will presumably be used as the eighth-inning set up guy should a need of that arise Sunday.

Barnes (bereavement) will return to the team ahead of Sunday's game against the Tigers, Brian MacPherson of The Providence Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager John Ferrell says Barnes will be the primary eighth inning guy upon his return, so the right-hander will expectedly take on heavy duty right away. The Red Sox blew a 5-4 lead in the eighth Friday, as Heath Hembree and Robby Scott failed to shut down the potent Detroit lineup. Barnes impressed in Grapefruit League play, posting an 0.93 ERA over 9.2 innings, and now gets a shot to translate that success to the big stage as the new setup man.

Barnes will miss Boston's next three games due to bereavement leave, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes will be away attending his grandmother's funeral. The 26-year-old should be back with the team for Sunday's game against the Tigers in Detroit.