Red Sox Matt Barnes Opens Up About Early Season Struggles

Boston Red Sox reliever Matt Barnes does not like to beat around the bush. The hard-throwing righty is a straight shooter and when he was recently asked about his early season struggles, Barnes provided one of the best quotes of the season so far.

According to MassLive's Chris Cotillo, Barnes had this to say when asked about his performance of late:

I've been terrible. I need to figure my shit out. We're going to get there. I’m working on it every day and feeling better every day. I know the results are terrible. We're not going to stop. But it's definitely frustrating

The 31-year-old was brutal in his latest appearance against the Los Angeles Angels as he gave up four runs, three earned, and recorded just two outs. He's the proud owner of a 8.64 ERA, this coming after a All-Star caliber season in 2021.

It's been the same ol' story for Boston and Barnes as his struggles date back to late last season. In his last 26 innings, Barnes has given up 20 earned runs, on 28 hits and recorded 15 walks over that span. Frankly not good enough and one of the biggest contributing factors to the Red Sox not handing Barnes the closing duties out of spring training this season.

Matt Barnes since he signed his contract extension:

26 IP, 27 H, 20 ER, 17 BB, 29 K
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) May 5, 2022

#RedSox Manager Alex Cora on Matt Barnes: "You got to keep working with him, that's the bottom line. He threw some good breaking balls, [but] the fast ball, it's not there. It's not lack of work. He's doing everything possible to get his mechanics where they're supposed to be."
— Red Sox Nation Stats (@RSNStats) May 5, 2022