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Boston Red Sox reliever Matt Barnes strives to be bullpen workhorse

The bullpen might be the key to this season for the Boston Red Sox. A thin starting rotation will force them to turn to spot starters to navigate the early season schedule and they are toying with the concept of utilizing the opener strategy. Either path will result in the Red Sox leaning heavily on their bullpen, perhaps even more so than last season when their relievers threw the sixth most innings in the majors.

With the starting rotation in shambles, it’s up to the bullpen to pick up the slack. One pitcher who views himself as a workhorse capable of carrying the load is Matt Barnes.