Barnes allowed one run on one hit over two-thirds of an inning in Friday's 4-2 win over the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

With Boston leading 4-0 entering the seventh inning, manager Alex Cora brought in Barnes, the team's one-time closer. Later in the game, Cora turned to Hansel Robles to close out Washington for the save. Barnes has pitched better after a rocky August, but he endured a bout with COVID-19 during the first half of September. It's unclear what Cora plans for the closer role if the Red Sox qualify for the postseason.

Barnes allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two over a scoreless eighth inning in Friday's 7-1 win over Baltimore.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes made his first appearance since coming off the COVID-19 injured list and was given a soft landing spot for the occasion. He had issues throwing strikes, running the count full on the first three batters and needing 28 pitches (16 strikes) to close out the inning. Barnes eventually escaped unscathed, but it wasn't the type of performance one expects from a closer. The Red Sox will likely utilize him in low-leverage situations until he can regain the form he showed over the first four months of the season.

Barnes (illness) was activated from the COVID-19 injured list ahead of Friday's game against Baltimore.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes was thought to be in line to return for Wednesday's series finale against the Mariners, but instead the right-hander got another rehab outing in with Double-A Portland. Barnes could have a chance to slot back in as Boston's closer should he pitch well during his first few outings back, but he seems unlikely to reclaim the ninth inning right away, especially considering that he allowed a pair of runs in his final rehab appearance.

Barnes is scheduled to make a rehab appearance for Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday and is expected to be activated from the COVID-19 injured list Friday, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes initially appeared on tap to return from the IL ahead of Wednesday's series finale in Seattle, but the Red Sox will instead have him pitch in a tune-up outing in the minors before he rejoins the big club. Assuming Barnes feels fine physically following the outing, he should be ready to take on a late-inning role with Boston over the weekend. Before testing positive for the virus Aug. 30, Barnes was already on the ropes as the Red Sox's closer after blowing his last two save chances and allowing 10 earned runs across his last 10 appearances. Adam Ottavino, Hansel Robles and Garrett Whitlock have all picked up saves while Barnes has been sidelined, though none of the three has truly run away with the closer's gig.

Barnes (illness) is expected to be activated from the COVID-19 injured list prior to Wednesday's game against the Mariners, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes' August struggles led to him losing his firm hold on the closer role before he tested positive for COVID-19 at the end of the month. He was originally expected to make multiple rehab outings in Triple-A before being activated over the weekend, but the latest update indicates that he'll return after just one scoreless inning with Worcester. Boston could try to get Barnes some work in low-leverage innings before putting him in an important spot.

Barnes (COVID-19) could rejoin the Red Sox next weekend against the Orioles, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

He will make a couple rehab appearances for Triple-A Worcester prior to returning to the majors. It's unclear if Barnes will assume the closer role upon his return or whether the Red Sox will go with a committee.

Barnes (illness) will throw a bullpen session Friday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnes is one of several players who recently spent time on the injured list during their COVID-19 outbreak, but he's been cleared to rejoin the team. If Friday's throwing session goes well, manager Alex Cora said that the right-hander could be activated as early as this weekend.

Barnes (COVID-19) tested positive for the virus Monday and will be out no fewer than 10 days, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The struggling closer will miss at least the first nine days of September, as dictated by MLB's health and safety protocols. Updates about Barnes' potential symptoms and expected return date should become available in the next week or so.

Barnes was placed don the COVID-19 injured list Monday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's not yet clear whether Barnes has tested positive for the virus himself or if he's merely out due to contact tracing, so it's hard to say how much time he'll need to miss. Adam Ottavino should be the top option for saves until he returns.

Barnes allowed a walk, hit a batter, and threw a wild pitch while striking out two over a scoreless ninth inning in Thursday's 12-2 win over the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Red Sox manager Alex Cora talked about getting Barnes into low-leverage situations, and situations don't get much more low-leverage than this. The plan is to fix whatever's been ailing Barnes during the month of August, but Thursday's results were not encouraging.