Eight years into his major league career, former UConn pitcher Matt Barnes is an All-Star for the first time. The Boston Red Sox closer will head to Denver as part of the American League’s staff of 12 pitchers.
Barnes is having the best year of his career so far, posting a 2.68 ERA (over a full run better than his previous low) in 37.0 innings while striking out 62 — second-best among closers in the AL. He also owns a 0.87 WHIP, the first time he’s been below 1.00 in his career.
Though the 31-year old has spent the last few seasons as a high-leverage set-up man, this is his first full season as the Red Sox closer.