BOSTON — Red Sox closer Matt Barnes was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with right shoulder inflammation, and left-hander Matt Strahm was activated from the COVID-19 IL prior to a game against Cincinnati.
An All-Star in 2021, Barnes struggled down the stretch last season and has failed to regain his best form this year. The 31-year-old has a 7.94 ERA in 20 appearances, going 0-3 with two saves.
Strahm is 2-2 with a 3.68 ERA in 18 games this season.
Boston finished its homestand 3-4 heading after beating the Reds on Wednesday night, 7-1. The bullpen is a major reason why the Red Sox are stuck in fourth place in the AL East, with the club’s relievers combining for a 3.96 ERA, ranked 10th in the AL.
“We were hoping to have a more settled picture in the bullpen than we have,” Bloom said.