Red Sox set ALDS roster: J.D. Martinez returns, but All-Star Matt Barnes surprisingly misses cut

The Red Sox have set their roster for their American League Division Series against the Rays, and there’s a surprising exclusion.

Matt Barnes, who was on Tuesday’s Wild Card roster against the Yankees, didn’t make the cut. The veteran was dominant as the team’s closer during the first half, earned a contract extension and was named a first-time All-Star, but ran into major struggles in August and tested positive for COVID-19 in September. Still, manager Alex Cora had liked Barnes enough to carry him on Tuesday’s roster, citing potential matchups against the Yankees.

Barnes knew there was urgency needed late in the season as he tried to regain his form following his return from the COVID-19 list.

“I don’t have many games to figure this (expletive) out,” Barnes told the Herald on Sept. 24. “It’s gotta happen quick. That’s the crazy part about baseball. You can be going really, really good and then one day, it’s gone. You can be going really bad and literally the next day, it’s back. It clicks and you’re back and it’s good. We’re going to keep moving. I know we don’t have a lot of time to get that done, but I’m going to keep doing my thing and keep working towards getting back to that spot.”

Ultimately, he couldn’t get there in time.

J.D. Martinez, who missed Tuesday’s game with a left ankle sprain, made the roster. It’s not certain yet if Martinez will play in Thursday’s Game 1.

Danny Santana was reinstated from the COVID-19 related injury list and put on the ALDS roster. Chris Sale (who is likely to start Game 2) and Martín Pérez were the other additions to the ALDS roster who were not on the Wild Card roster, while Jarren Duran, Jonathan Araúz, Connor Wong and Barnes were dropped.

Here’s the full Red Sox 26-man roster for the ALDS:

Pitchers (13): Ryan Brasier, Austin Davis, Nathan Eovaldi, Tanner Houck, Adam Ottavino, Martín Pérez, Nick Pivetta, Garrett Richards, Hansel Robles, Eduardo Rodriguez, Chris Sale, Josh Taylor, Garrett Whitlock

Catchers (2): Kevin Plawecki, Christian Vázquez

Infielders (5): Christian Arroyo, Xander Bogaerts, Bobby Dalbec, Rafael Devers, Travis Shaw

Outfielders (4): J.D. Martinez, Hunter Renfroe, Kyle Schwarber, Alex Verdugo

Infielder/Outfielders (2): Kiké Hernández, Danny Santana