We’re less than a week away from the first official workout for Boston Red Sox pitchers and catchers. Barring a last-minute change of heart, Craig Kimbrel won’t be joining them but one pitcher in camp may bear a resemblance to the free agent closer.
Matt Barnes hasn’t been told that he’ll be the team’s new closer but he appears to be the frontrunner at the moment. The right-hander is ready to step into the role if called upon and credits the time he spent as a teammate of Kimbrel’s for helping him prepare for the opportunity.