The Red Sox are still discussing where Barnes fits best into the team's plans for next season, the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes is currently relieving for Boston, but was drafted and developed as a starter since being selected in the first round of the 2011 draft. His performance out of the pen has been spotty, but much better lately when the right-hander said he's learning how to pitch at the major-league level. The Red Sox could use a power arm in the bullpen -- Barnes throws a mid-90s heater -- and he'd be an attractive candidate to compete for a relief job in 2016.

Barnes, who has not allowed a run since returning to the Red Sox on Sept. 12, has been better in this stint in the majors because he's throwing first-pitch strikes, the Boston Globe reports. "I think the bottom line is Strike 1 with Matt Barnes," interim manager Torey Lovullo said. "If he gets a strike on you, with that velocity and at that angle, it can be very challenging."

EDGE Analysis

Barnes has given up just one walk while striking out six in seven innings since returning to Boston. Getting ahead in the count and limiting walks has been key for Barnes this time around. And so has keeping the ball in the park. Barnes, who had surrendered eight homers in 32.2 previous innings, has not given up a long ball since the September call up.

Barnes mopped up Saturday night's 10-4 win over the Rays, pitching a scoreless ninth inning. He allowed a hit and struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes, who had experienced some elbow soreness while at Triple-A Pawtucket, was recently added to the roster to finish out the season. With Boston's closer situation in flux, we might see Barnes get an occasional save opportunity.

Barnes has been added to the Red Sox's roster.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes and Jonathan Aro were both recalled from Pawtucket on Tuesday, as was left-hander Rich Hill, as the Red Sox will add some depth to their bullpen down the stretch.

Barnes (elbow) will be at Fenway Park on Tuesday for a medical check and could be added to Boston's roster, the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes threw an inning of relief for Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday, allowing a hit and striking out two. Prior to that inning, Barnes had not pitched since Aug. 22 due to a sore elbow.

Barnes (elbow) threw out to 120 feet Friday, the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes has been sidelined since Aug. 20 with a sore right elbow and may not pitch again during the regular season.

Barnes was at Fenway Park on Tuesday to have a sore elbow checked out, the Boston Globe reports. Barnes has not pitched since Aug. 22.

EDGE Analysis

Interim manager Torey Lovullo said it was uncertain if Barnes would be called up to Boston.

Barnes gave up two homers and struck out four in 1.2 innings in Saturday's loss to the Rays. He was called up earlier in the day because Boston's bullpen had been used a lot in the previous few days. Barnes made two mistakes Saturday with two fastballs catching too much of the plate, but was also overpowering in recording five outs, four by strikeout. The intermittent lapse in fastball command is a trend we're seeing in Barnes, who has allowed five homers in 18.2 innings while striking out 17.

Barnes was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday, Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston reports. Barnes has a 4.24 ERA with 13 strikeouts and five walks across 17 innings with the Red Sox this season. Most of his work has come in the eighth inning, where he has made six appearances. Barnes will add right-handed depth to Boston's bullpen. To clear room for Barnes on the roster, the red Sox optioned Travis Shaw to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Barnes was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket on Sunday morning, Mike Silverman of the Boston Herald reports. Barnes earned the demotion after surrendering the game-winning homer to Russell Martin on Saturday, marking the third straight game in which he'd given up at least one run. He'll continue to work in a relief role at Pawtucket in an attempt to earn his way back to the majors.