Back to the Boston Red Sox Newsfeed

Alex Cora doesn’t commit to Matt Barnes as closer, says he will be used in low-leverage situations

Less than two months after making an All-Star team and inking a lucrative extension with the Red Sox, Matt Barnes might be in danger of losing his status as the Red Sox’s closer, at least for the time being.

On Tuesday, Barnes struggled once again — giving up a homer and a pair of walks before he was pulled in favor of Hansel Robles. Robles held onto the team’s 11-9 victory, but Barnes’ ERA has spiked in recent weeks.

After the game, Barnes said he would be willing to pitch in a set-up role if necessary as he tries to recover his form.