The White Sox released a reliever Joe Barlow from his minor league contract, tweets James Fegan of the Sox Machine. The right-hander had been playing at Triple-A Charlotte.
Barlow spent most of the year on the injured list. He didn't make his Triple-A debut until June 5. Barlow has taken the ball 12 times for Charlotte over the past five weeks. He was hit hard, allowing 14 runs in 11 2/3 innings. While striking out 14 opponents, he also walked eight and hit five home runs. That wouldn't even get him a look in Chicago's bullpen, which was one of the worst in the league.
Although he has not yet entered the majors this season, Barlow, 28, entered the big leagues with the Rangers three years ago. He served as Texas' longtime closer between 2021-22 and compiled a 2.81 earned run average over 66 plate appearances over those two seasons. Barlow's strikeout rate and walk rate were never as impressive as his ERA, yet it's still surprising how quickly his numbers dropped. He played in just 13 games for Bruce Bochy last year and was assigned to work after the Rangers brought in some hitting help at the deadline. The Royals claimed Barlow but kept him in Triple-A and eventually waived him.
Barlow hit minor league free agency last winter posting a 5.52 ERA over 44 Triple-A frames. He will look for another minor league opportunity now that he is back on the market.
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