Joe Barlow

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Joe Barlow

|image = Joe Barlow (53106309145) (cropped).jpg

|caption = Barlow with the Omaha Storm Chasers in 2023

|team = Texas Rangers

|number =

|position = Pitcher

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|9|28}}

|birth_place = Riverton, Utah, U.S.

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = June 24

|debutyear = 2021

|debutteam = Texas Rangers

|statleague = MLB

|statyear = 2023 season

|stat1label = Win–loss record

|stat1value = 4–4

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 3.05

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 61

|stat4label = Saves

|stat4value = 24

|teams =

Texas Rangers ({{mlby|2021}}–{{mlby|2023}})

}}

Joseph Israel Barlow (born September 28, 1995) is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Texas Rangers organization.

Amateur career

Barlow grew up in a household with eleven siblings, and attended Riverton High School in Riverton, Utah.{{cite news|url=https://www.deseret.com/2019/6/2/20674703/riverton-high-pitcher-joe-barlow-savoring-journey-through-baseball-s-minor-leagues/|title=Riverton High pitcher Joe Barlow savoring journey through baseball's minor leagues|newspaper=Deseret News|author=Stephen Hunt|date=June 2, 2019|access-date=July 15, 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hickoryrecord.com/sports/hickory-crawdads-player-capsules/article_00d70437-8614-54b0-9d43-c7e9ee4fa419.html|title=2018 Hickory Crawdads Player Capsules|author=Mark Parker|newspaper=Hickory Daily Record|date=April 5, 2018|access-date=May 20, 2019}} He attended Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City, Utah and played college baseball for them in 2015 and 2016.{{cite web|url=https://slccbruins.com/news/2016/6/16/general-bsb-barlow-and-slcc-alumni-heading-to-mlb.aspx|title=BSB: Barlow, SLCC Alumni drafted by MLB|author=Tyler Price|website=Salt Lake Community College|date=June 16, 2016|access-date=May 20, 2019}} During his freshman season, Barlow was a catcher and hit just .202 with zero home runs and 13 RBI. In his sophomore season, Barlow appeared at pitcher and catcher. Hitting .208 with 14 RBI. In 13 games pitched (7 starts) Barlow went 3–3 with a 2.12 ERA and 51 strikeouts over {{frac|46|2|3}} innings pitched.{{cite web|url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/profile.asp?ID=203804#Pitching|title=Joe Barlow|website=The Baseball Cube|access-date=January 11, 2019}} The Texas Rangers selected Barlow in the eleventh round, with the 339th overall selection, of the 2016 MLB draft. He signed with them for a $85,000 signing bonus.{{cite web|url=https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=3993210&itype=CMSID|title=MLB draft: Beehive State has five players selected in late rounds|author=Steve Luhm|website=The Salt Lake Tribune|date=June 11, 2016|access-date=May 20, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ksl.com/article/40161730/byus-rucker-lund-lead-local-prospects-on-mlb-drafts-final-day|title=BYU's Rucker, Lund lead local prospects on MLB draft's final day|author=Sean Walker|website=KSL 5|date=June 11, 2016|access-date=May 20, 2019}}

Professional career

=Texas Rangers=

After signing, Barlow converted to full–time pitching and was assigned to the AZL Rangers of the Rookie-level Arizona League to make his professional debut; in {{frac|32|2|3}} innings pitched for them, he posted a 2–4 record with a 4.41 ERA. He split the 2017 season between extended spring training and the Spokane Indians of the Low-A Northwest League, producing a 6–1 record with a 2.00 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 45 innings. In 2018, Barlow spent the full season with the Hickory Crawdads of the Single-A South Atlantic League, producing a 3–3 record with a 1.68 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 59 innings. After the 2018 regular season, Barlow played for the Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=l119&t=p_pbp&pid=669618|title=Winter Leagues: Arizona Fall League|website=MLB.com|access-date=January 11, 2019|archive-date=January 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112095039/http://www.mlb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=l119&t=p_pbp&pid=669618|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/joe-barlow-emerges-as-future-bullpen-candidate/|title=Joe Barlow Emerges As Future Bullpen Candidate|work=Baseball America|date=October 27, 2018|access-date=May 20, 2019}} Barlow was assigned to the Down East Wood Ducks of the High-A Carolina League to open the 2019 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/980541/2019/05/16/the-moment-that-might-have-sprung-the-rangers-careers-of-one-reliever-and-the-scout-who-discovered-him/|title=The moment that might have sprung the Rangers careers of one reliever and the scout who discovered him|author=Jamey Newberg|website=The Athletic|date=May 16, 2019|access-date=May 20, 2019}} He went 4–0 with a 0.38 ERA and 44 strikeouts in {{frac|23|2|3}} innings for them. On May 29, he was promoted to the Frisco RoughRiders of the Double-A Texas League,{{cite web|url=https://www.lonestarball.com/2019/5/28/18643749/texas-rangers-prospects-demarcus-evans-peter-fairbanks-joe-barlow-pitchers-promotions|title=Fairbanks to AAA, Evans, Barlow to AA|publisher=SB Nation|website=Lone Star Ball|author=Adam J. Morris|date=May 28, 2012|access-date=May 29, 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rangers/rangers/2019/05/28/rangers-putting-three-minor-league-pitchers-fast-track-after-dominant-may-performances|title=Rangers putting three minor league pitchers on fast track after dominant May performances|newspaper=The Dallas Morning News|author=Evan Grant|date=May 28, 2018|access-date=May 29, 2019}} and went 1–1 with a 1.18 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 16 innings for them. On July 15, he was promoted to the Nashville Sounds of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League,{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/rangers/news/hunter-pence-nears-return-from-il|title=Pence may return by Tuesday for Rangers|website=MLB.com|author=T.R. Sullivan|date=July 15, 2018|access-date=July 15, 2019}} and went 1–1 with a 8.83 ERA in {{frac|17|1|3}} innings.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1198334/2019/09/10/long-term-looks-embracing-similar-messages-relievers-demarcus-evans-and-joe-barlow-knocking-on-rangers-door/|title=Long-term looks: Embracing similar messages, Demarcus Evans and Joe Barlow knocking on Rangers' door|website=The Athletic|author=Jamey Newberg|date=September 10, 2018|access-date=September 11, 2019}} Barlow did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the Minor League Baseball season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Barlow opened the 2021 season with the Round Rock Express of the Triple-A West, going 0–1 with a 2.57 ERA and 29 strikeouts over 21 innings.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rangers-set-2021-minor-league-rosters|title=Where will Rangers' top prospects begin '21?|author=Kennedi Landry|website=MLB.com|date=April 30, 2021|access-date=May 8, 2021}}

On June 23, 2021, Texas selected Barlow's contract and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/rangers-call-up-joe-barlow-dfa-brett-de-geus|title=Rangers Call Up Joe Barlow, DFA Brett de Geus|author=Chris Halicke|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=June 23, 2021|access-date=June 23, 2021}} He made his MLB debut the next day, pitching a scoreless inning against the Oakland Athletics. In the game, he also notched his first career strikeout, punching out A's infielder Jed Lowrie.{{cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2021/06/25/how-a-year-of-setbacks-led-rangers-reliever-joe-barlow-to-his-major-league-worthy-slider/|title=How a year of setbacks led Rangers reliever Joe Barlow to his major-league worthy slider|author=Evan Grant|website=The Dallas Morning News|date=June 25, 2021|access-date=July 3, 2021}} Barlow set a Rangers franchise record on August 2, becoming the first pitcher to record eight straight strikeouts of opposing batters faced.{{Cite magazine|last=Halicke|first=Chris|date=August 2, 2021|title='Best Game All Year': Terry's Hustle, Dunning's Consistency Help Rangers Win Third Straight|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/game-day/best-game-all-year-terrys-hustle-dunnings-consistency-help-rangers-win-third-straight|access-date=2021-08-03|magazine=Sports Illustrated}} Barlow served as the Rangers closer to finish the 2021 season. In 2021, he posted a 0–2 record with a 1.55 ERA, 27 strikeouts, and 11 saves over 29 innings.{{Cite web|last=Weaver|first=Levi|date=October 4, 2021|title=Grading the 2021 Texas Rangers: Pitchers edition|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2863303/2021/10/04/grading-the-2021-texas-rangers-pitchers-edition/|access-date=2021-10-05|website=The Athletic}} He was named the Rangers September/October Pitcher of the Month.{{Cite magazine|last=Halicke|first=Chris|date=October 3, 2021|title=Rangers Season Finale vs Indians: Starting Lineups, Injury Report|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/game-day/texas-rangers-season-finale-cleveland-indians-starting-lineups-injury-report|access-date=2021-10-05|magazine=Sports Illustrated}}

Barlow spent time as the Texas closer in 2022, but ultimately lost the role due to ineffectiveness and injury.{{Cite web |last=Grant |first=Evan |date=2022-07-09 |title=Rangers to give Joe Barlow a break from closing games after struggles in recent outings |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2022/07/08/rangers-to-give-joe-barlow-a-break-from-closing-after-struggles-in-recent-outings/ |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=The Dallas Morning News}} With Texas in 2022, he posted a 3–1 record with a 3.86 ERA, 28 strikeouts, and 13 saves over 35 innings.{{Cite magazine |last=Postins |first=Matthew |date=October 15, 2022 |title=Rangers 40-Man Roster Wraps: Joe Barlow |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/texas-rangers-40-man-roster-joe-barlow-profile-review-offseason |access-date=2023-01-09 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} Following the season, on November 4, 2022, Barlow underwent surgery to separate a pair of fused tendons in his right wrist.{{Cite web|title=Rangers' Joe Barlow: Undergoes wrist surgery|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rangers-joe-barlow-undergoes-wrist-surgery/amp/|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}

Barlow was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock to begin the 2023 season.{{Cite web|title=Rangers' Joe Barlow: Optioned to Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rangers-joe-barlow-optioned-to-triple-a/amp/|access-date=2023-03-25|website=cbssports.com}} In 13 games for the Rangers, he registered a 4.66 ERA with 6 strikeouts in {{fraction|9|2|3}} innings pitched. On July 30, He was designated for assignment.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-30 |title=Rangers' Joe Barlow: DFA'd by Texas |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rangers-joe-barlow-dfad-by-texas/ |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=CBSSports.com |language=}}

=Kansas City Royals=

On August 4, 2023, Barlow was claimed on waivers by the Kansas City Royals.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-04 |title=Royals' Joe Barlow: Claimed by Kansas City |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/royals-joe-barlow-claimed-by-kansas-city/ |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}} He struggled to a 9.24 ERA in 7 games for the Triple–A Omaha Storm Chasers prior to being designated for assignment on September 1.{{Cite web|title=Royals' Joe Barlow: Pushed off 40-man roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/royals-joe-barlow-pushed-off-40-man-roster/amp/|access-date=September 1, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} Barlow cleared waivers and was sent outright to Omaha on September 3.{{Cite web|title=Royals' Joe Barlow: Clears waivers|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/royals-joe-barlow-clears-waivers/amp/|access-date=September 8, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He elected free agency following the season on November 6.{{Cite web|title=2023 MiLB Free Agents|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2023-milb-free-agents/|access-date=January 21, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 8, 2023 |language=en}}

=Chicago White Sox=

On January 12, 2024, Barlow signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/01/white-sox-sign-joe-barlow-to-minor-league-deal.html | title=White Sox Sign Joe Barlow to Minor League Deal | date=January 15, 2024 }} While playing for the Triple–A Charlotte Knights on June 16, Barlow was part of a seven–pitcher no-hitter against the Durham Bulls.{{Cite web|title=7 White Sox pitchers make history in Triple-A no-no|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/seven-white-sox-pitchers-set-record-with-no-hitter-at-triple-a|access-date=June 18, 2024|website=mlb.com|language=en}} In 12 appearances for Charlotte, he struggled to a 10.03 ERA with 14 strikeouts across {{fraction|11|2|3}} innings pitched. Barlow was released by the White Sox organization on July 12.{{Cite web|title=White Sox Release Joe Barlow|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/07/white-sox-release-joe-barlow.html|access-date=July 14, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=July 12, 2024 |language=en}}

=Texas Rangers (second stint)=

On February 16, 2025, Barlow signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers organization.{{Cite web|title=Rangers Sign Joe Barlow To Minor League Deal|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/rangers-sign-joe-barlow-to-minor-league-deal.html|access-date=February 16, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=February 16, 2025 |language=en}}