The Cincinnati Reds have officially made the decision to part ways with Scott Barlow, the struggling reliever who signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the team in the offseason. After months of underperforming, it’s become clear that Barlow no longer fits into the Reds’ bullpen plans, prompting the team to seek more reliable options.
Barlow, once a closer for the Kansas City Royals, has been relegated to mop-up duty in Cincinnati. Despite signing with the Reds to add depth to their bullpen, Barlow has struggled mightily this season. His appearances have often come in non-competitive situations, and he has failed to consistently keep opponents off base. In his six May outings, Barlow posted an ERA of 7.71, with a concerning walk-to-strikeout ratio of 6:3. His inability to get batters out efficiently, especially with so many walks, has raised concerns within the organization.
The decision to move on from Barlow comes after a particularly rough stretch in Houston, where he pitched just 1⅓ innings, allowing two runs and walking two batters. His performance this season has been a far cry from the reliable bullpen arm the Reds had hoped to add.
The Reds already have better options waiting in the wings, including Reiver Sanmartin, who has been impressive for Triple-A Louisville with a 1.88 ERA. Sanmartin, a former starter, could offer length in the bullpen and help relieve pressure on the team’s other relievers. Additionally, Alexis Diaz, a right-hander, has been working to regain his confidence after a rough start to the season, and is likely to return to the Reds soon. The team also has flamethrower Zach Maxwell and Ian Gibaut, who just began his rehab assignment, as potential reinforcements.
Although Barlow has not officially been let go yet, it seems inevitable. With his struggles continuing and the Reds having better bullpen options, it’s only a matter of time before the Reds make the change. If Barlow’s performances don’t improve, it will likely seal his exit from the team, as the Reds move forward with more promising arms to strengthen their bullpen for the rest of the season.
