The MLB announced on Monday that Red Sox reliever Matt Barnes was named American League Reliever of the Month in April.
Over that stretch, Barnes put together a 2.57 ERA. His 25 strikeouts led the league among relievers, allowing five hits and three walks in 14 innings pitched. Per the MLB, he was just the seventh pitcher in MLB history to strike out 25 batters while permitting no more than five hits and three walks. He went 6-for-6 in save opportunities and did not allow an extra-base hit. In the ninth inning this season, Barnes has struck out 19 batters and allowed just one walk.