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Red Sox DFA former All-Star Barnes

Boston Globe / Getty

The Boston Red Sox designated former All-Star closer Matt Barnes for assignment Tuesday in order to clear a roster spot for outfielder Adam Duvall.

Barnes struggled in 2022, posting his highest ERA (4.31) since 2015. The 32-year-old helped the club to a World Series title in 2018 and was named an American League All-Star in 2021.

Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom admitted the decision to DFA Barnes was a tough one.

"A really, really difficult decision," Bloom said, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.

"The conversation itself was one of the more difficult ones I've had. The DFA process needs to play out so there's a limited amount I want to say until it does. I think this is a function of where we're at with our 40 (-man roster)."

The veteran was entering the final season of a two-year, $18.75-million contract extension he signed in July 2021. He's owed $8.375 million in 2023, with a $2.25-million buyout in 2024.

Barnes trails only Bob Stanley and Tim Wakefield on Boston's all-time list of appearances by a pitcher.

The Red Sox bolstered their bullpen this offseason by signing All-Star closer Kenley Jensen, right-hander Chris Martin, and left-hander Joely Rodriguez.

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