If you were watching Barnes after his return the Major League team in September 2016, his start to the 2017 season wouldn’t be a shock. Barnes made 11 appearances in the last few weeks of the 2016 season, and he was virtually untouchable during his second stint with the Milwaukee Brewers. In 9 2/3 innings, he struck out eight, walked two, and surrendered exactly one earned run.
In his 11 appearances this April, Jacob Barnes has surrendered only four hits and four walks while fanning 14. He’s also notched four holds and one save. That is a fantastic month from a pitcher who appears to be locked in.