Barnes appears to be a good bet to make the roster after it was announced Carson Smith will begin the season on the disabled list with a forearm injury, the Providence Journal reports.
Smith's injury means at least one bullpen spot opens up, and another one could crop up if Steven Wright moves into the starting rotation for the injured Eduardo Rodriguez (knee). Barnes, who hasn't allowed a run and struck out nine in 8.1 spring innings, appeared to be on pace to claim a roster spot due to the Rodriguez injury and now looks like a lock to head north. The right-handed Barnes is getting stretched out for multiple relief innings, suggesting a fifth or sixth inning role, but he has wicked heat that could play in a setup role.