The White Sox released reliever Joe Barlow from his minor league contract, reports James Fegan of Sox Machine. The right-hander had been pitching at Triple-A Charlotte.
Barlow has spent most of the year on the injured list. He wasn’t able to make his Triple-A debut until June 5. Barlow took the ball 12 times for Charlotte over the past five weeks. He was hit hard, serving up 14 runs across 11 2/3 innings. While he struck out 14 opponents, he also walked eight and was tagged for five home runs. That wasn’t going to get him a look even in a Chicago bullpen that has been one of the league’s worst.
While he hasn’t pitched in the majors this season, the 28-year-old Barlow logged big league time with the Rangers in each of the previous three years. He operated as Texas’ closer for a stretch between 2021-22 and combined for a 2.81 earned run average over 66 appearances during those two seasons. Barlow’s strikeout and walk rates were never as impressive as his ERA, yet it’s still a bit surprising how quickly his numbers trended down. He only made 13 appearances for Bruce Bochy last year and was designated for assignment after the Rangers brought in pitching help at the deadline. The Royals claimed Barlow but kept him in Triple-A and eventually waived him themselves.
Barlow hit minor league free agency last winter coming off a 5.52 ERA over 44 Triple-A frames. He’ll look for another minor league opportunity now that he’s back on the market.
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