Barlow, who has pitched to a 4.50 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 7:0 K:BB over eight innings this spring, could be an option to close games after Alexis Diaz (hamstring) was ruled out for the start of the 2025 season. "I don't think it's necessary that we name a closer," manager Terry Francona told Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Francona said he hadn't "given it a ton of thought yet" and didn't seem in a hurry to settle on one arm in the ninth inning, saying, "We'll just see how we get there, and we'll do it the best way we can." Barlow has racked up 58 career saves to date, including a career-high 24 saves in 2022, but Taylor Rogers and Emilio Pagan also have past closing experience. Graham Ashcraft is also moving to the bullpen and has expressed to the club a desire to work toward the closer role. The club still wants Diaz "to be that guy," Francona said, but a strong performance by someone else in the meantime could change the equation.

Barlow agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Reds on Tuesday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barlow has posted a 4.25 ERA and 68:31 K:BB over 55 innings last season before being released by the Guardians in September. The 32-year-old's velocity and results have trended down the past two seasons, though he's still submitted a 27.2 percent strikeout rate over that stretch. In Cincinnati, Barlow should help set up for closer Alexis Diaz.

The Guardians released Barlow on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Barlow cleared waivers after being designated for assignment and is now a free agent. The veteran reliever could catch on with a new team for the final weeks, but he would not be eligible for the postseason roster. Barlow has posted a 4.25 ERA and 68:31 K:BB over 55 innings this season.

The Guardians designated Barlow for assignment Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Barlow has struggled since the start of August with 11 earned runs allowed across 11.2 innings, and it will cost him his place on the roster. The veteran right-hander had a 3.12 ERA in 50 outings this season prior to that stretch, so he could land somewhere for the final weeks of the season, though he won't be playoff eligible with a different organization.

Barlow (3-3) allowed a walk in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the extra-inning win Tuesday over the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Barlow was on the hook for the loss Monday, but he was better Tuesday as the Guardians evened the series at one game apiece. The right-hander's biggest problem this season has been with free passes -- he has a 5.3 BB/9 and a 1.35 WHIP. Barlow is still finding plenty of success with his slider and curveball, which collectively account for nearly 70 percent of his pitches. This is the second year in a row he's had significant struggles with his four-seam fastball, which opponents have batted .360 and slugged .520 against in 2024. With a 3.58 ERA and 17 holds, Barlow has yet to lose out on high-leverage looks, but all of Hunter Gaddis, Tim Herrin and Cade Smith have produced better results while seeing similar usage, though Barlow's 12.7 K/9 is tops on the team.

Barlow (2-3) allowed a run on two hits and a walk over one-third of an inning, taking the loss versus the Tigers on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Barlow put runners on the corners before giving up the lone run of the game on a fielder's choice. He allowed just two runs over 12.1 innings from the start of June through July 4, but he's given up another two runs over his last two appearances. Barlow is at a 3.68 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 53:20 K:BB through 36.2 innings while adding two saves and 17 holds. Barlow is part of the mix for setup duties, but his lofty walk rate continues to hold him back compared to many of Cleveland's other relievers.

Barlow struck out the side in the ninth inning of Monday's win against Baltimore, logging his second save of the season.

EDGE Analysis

With closer Emmanuel Clase pitching the previous two days for Cleveland, Barlow was called upon in the ninth to preserve a one-run lead. The 31-year-old made the most of his opportunity, but he will see few save chances while Emmanuel Clase his healthy. Barlow owns a 3.66 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP and a 44:17 K:BB over 32 innings this season, adding 16 holds and two saves.

Barlow pitched a perfect inning to earn a hold in Tuesday's 8-5 win over the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

Barlow has given up six runs over his last seven innings, but he's also picked up seven holds over nine appearances in that span. He's been a little shaky all season, as evidenced by a middling 3.91 ERA to go with a 1.34 WHIP and 34:12 K:BB through 25.1 innings, but Barlow still leads the Guardians with 15 holds. He's maintained a setup role while adding one save and a 2-2 record, though Cade Smith and Hunter Gaddis have been more reliable parts of the bridge to closer Emmanuel Clase.

Barlow (2-2) allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless inning to earn the extra-innings win Saturday over Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Barlow took care of business in the bottom of the 10th inning, and Cleveland pulled ahead in the 11th. It's a fourth straight scoreless outing for Barlow, who has two wins and two holds in that span. The setup man is at a 3.46 ERA, 1.38 wHIP and 15:8 K:BB through 13 innings overall, though he's improved after a rocky start to 2024.

Barlow (1-2) struck out one without allowing a baserunner over two-thirds of an inning to earn the win Tuesday over the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Barlow entered with one on and one out in the top of the seventh inning. The baserunner, Rob Refsnyder, was erased when he was caught stealing, and Barlow struck out Enmanuel Valdez to end the inning. The Guardians then rallied ahead in their half of the frame. After a rough start to the season, Barlow has limited opponents to one run on three hits and a walk over his last 5.1 innings. It is notable that he entered the game with the Guardians behind while Hunter Gaddis, who has worked himself into the late-inning mix, pitched the eighth. Barlow is at a 4.09 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 13:7 K:BB through 11 innings overall, adding a save and five holds through 12 appearances.