Barnes pitched two scoreless innings, giving up two hits while striking out two in Friday's game against Pittsburgh.
Barnes appears to have locked up the spot in the bullpen that became available when it was announced that Carson Smith (forearm) would open the season on the disabled list. The right-hander with the high-90s fastball may have earned the spot regardless, as he hasn't allowed a run and has an 11:1 K:BB in 10.1 spring innings. The key to his success is a tighter curveball he can throw for strikes, making his high-velocity heater more effective.