Red Sox place two more players on COVID-related IL

The Red Sox's COVID outbreak is spreading. Two more players were placed on COVID-IL on Monday, and the team now has four total players on the list.

Prior to their series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays Monday night, the Red Sox announced closer Matt Barnes and relief pitcher Martin Perez have been added to the COVID-IL list. Perez reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, while it's unclear if either player has tested positive or was placed on the list due to a positive test or contact tracing.

Barnes bas reportedly been vaccinated for COVID-19. This is his second stint on COVID-IL this month, he also dealt with what was described as a 'non-infectious case' earlier this month. Since returning from the COVID-IL the first time, Barnes has struggled. After an All-Star-caliber start to the season, he has a 13.50 ERA in 11 appearances in the month of August.

In order to fill their roster, the Red Sox called up relievers Phillips Valdez and Raynel Espinal from Triple-AAA Worcester. Valdez was with the club earlier this season, recording a 5.56 ERA in 25 apperances. Espinal has never appeared in a Major League game, and had a 3.74 ERA in 16 starts for Worcester this year.

Along with Barnes and Perez, Kiké Hernandez and Christian Arroyo are also on COVID-IL after testing positive late last week.

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.